Wheelock takes on first non-region opponent in program history
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - For the first time in its short two-year history, the Wheelock College men's soccer team faced a non-region opponent on Monday, as the Wildcats fell against Benedictine (Ill.) University, 7-0, at Pine Manor College's Hedley Field. Wheelock slipped to 0-2, while the Eagles moved to 1-2.
Junior Victor Kashouh (Providence, RI/Classical) stopped 13 shots for the hosts, including a pair in the first 37 seconds that kept the game scoreless. Freshman back Matt Pennucci (Leominster, MA/Concord-Carlisle Regional) supported the cause with a team save in the 44th minute, followed by two more Kashouh stops prior to the half. Wheelock's best scoring opportunity came off the head of sophomore Paul Collins (Hyde Park, MA/Sharon), whose 42nd-minute attempt was denied by the visiting keeper.
Seven different players scored for Benedictine, including sophomore Cesar Martinez (Mission, TX/Sharyland), who also turned in an assist. Senior Michael White (Wauconda, IL/Wauconda) provided the winner 2:32 into the contest, while classmate Jim Hanley (Plainfield, IL/Plainfield) made the one save in earning the shutout. The Eagles, who used 14 reserves to Wheelock's three, turned in three of their markers between the 76th minute and the final horn.
The Wildcats play their third game in five days when they host Albertus Magnus College on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
