Yannick Pilgrim scored the tying and winning goals as the Davidson men’s soccer team rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second half to win 3-2 over High Point on Tuesday night at Vert Stadium. With the three-game win streak, Davidson now stands at 5-1, while High Point fell to 4-3.
"It felt good to score there," said Pilgrim after the game. "The last couple years, I am not sure we would have been able to come back in that situation. We stayed motivated as a team though and were able to win it."
The ‘Cats struck early in the second half on a pair of corner kicks from senior Charlie Reiter. Alex Caskey headed the first one in just six minutes into the half. Pilgrim headed in the second less than two minutes later to knot the game at two.
“A come from behind win is sweet and these guys have a will to win.” said head coach Matt Spear. “We challenged them at half time to come back and told them they only made two costly mistakes in the first half. Our guys were playing good soccer and getting more opportunities, but they just hadn’t converted yet.
“The early goals in the second half were huge. It put them on their heels and gave us the momentum. Alex had an awesome header to bring us back, and then Yannick stepped forward for two more excellent goals. The coaches are thrilled for the team as they believe they can win."
The ‘Cats were able to generate scoring opportunities in the first half, getting off eight shots, but were unable to convert. Caskey led the team with three shots (two on goal). Pilgrim had a chance in the fourth minute stopped by goalkeeper Michael Chesler and then just missed the top, far-side corner of the net at 23:37.
Davidson outshot High Point 8-5 in the half, but closed the session out down two goals. Stephen Clowes headed the ball in off a corner kick from Matt Tuttle 9:14 into the match to give High Point an early 1-0 lead. With 9:16 remaining in the second half, Ryan Bennett converted on a penalty kick to extend the lead to two goals.
For the game Davidson outshot High Point 17-13. Davidson goalkeeper Chip Sanders made three saves, while Chesler made four.
Davidson is off to there best start since 2001, when they also started 5-1.
"We struggled last year, so starting off well and getting wins like this is a big confidence builder heading into league play," said Caskey. "This team showed a lot of character tonight."
The ‘Cats will return to Alumni Stadium on Friday to take on South Carolina at 7 p.m.