WILMINGTON, DE - For the second time in ten months, the men's soccer team handed the nationally-ranked Wilmington University Wildcats an upset loss in dramatic fashion.  Only this time, penalty kicks weren't needed as they were in the Deacons' CACC Tournament semifinal victory over the Wildcats in 2009.  This time, the game-winner came in overtime, as junior forward Edwin Ventura lifted the Deacons to a 1-0 victory to kick off the club's 2010 campaign in thrilling style.

Two of the top squads heading into the beginning of the season, the sides played to an even draw through the first 45 minutes of play, with both clubs getting quality scoring chances that went by the boards.  The Deacons were unable to capitalize on four corner kicks in the first half, the lack of genuine chances confirming that fans were once again in store for a hard-fought, defensive battle. 

It was much of the same in the second half, with the Deacons making the better offensive adjustments at the break.  Coach Falloon's troops out-shot the Wildcats 5-2 in the second half, but were still unable to break through in regular time.  Overtime was needed, and both clubs entered the extra time searching for a hero in perhaps the biggest regular season game of the campaign.

Bloomfield found its hero in the form of Ventura, who took a through ball from fullback Terry Gibbs at the six yard-line, and fired it past the Wilmington keeper in the 99'th minute, the celebration instantly commencing as the ball reached the back of the net.  The Deacons had stunned a nationally-ranked Wilmington squad once again, putting the nation on notice that Coach Falloon's group will be one to contend with all season long.

"This is a great win for us," Falloon said.  "We know how good Wilmington is, and where they are ranked, so it is a great win for our program.  We also didn't start off last season too strong, so to come out in the first game of the season and play the way we did is great to see.  We must now keep it going from here, and take it one game at a time."

The team returns to action Saturday, when they travel to Syracuse, NY to take on Gannon University at the LeMoyne College Tournament.  The opening whistle is set for Noon.