Cobras Earn Historic Win at Wingate

WINGATE, N.C. - The Coker University men's soccer team battled for a hard-fought 3-2 South Atlantic Conference win on the road at Wingate University Wednesday night (Oct. 13). This marks the first victory over Wingate in program history. 

The Cobras had to overcome one-goal deficits on two different occasions against a tough Bulldogs team. Wingate jumped out to an early lead after winning a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Goalkeeper Jasper Rump made a great effort, but the shot slid just past his outstretched arms. The Bulldogs would take the 1-0 lead into halftime.

Coker came out firing as junior Jacques Fokam-Sandeu tied the score at 1-1 less than five minutes into the second half on a cross from Gabin Guillou, bringing his season goal tally to nine. It looked as if the Cobras would take control of the game in the 66th minute when Wingate defender Owen Marshall received his second yellow card and was sent off. However the Bulldogs would surprise the Cobras with a goal while playing with just 10 men to take the 2-1 lead in the 70th minute.

Senior captain Hugo Jonsson decided to take matters into his own hands in the 79th minute as he pounced on a rebound left by the Bulldog keeper and slid it into the net to tie the game at 2-2. Jonsson was not finished however, as less than two minutes later he would capitalize on another rebounded shot off of the crossbar and score the game-winning goal. 

Freshman Jasper Rump had a solid performance in goal, recording six saves in the game. The Cobras had the advantage in the box score outshooting the Bulldogs 19-12 and earning nine corner kicks compared to just five for Wingate.

The Cobras will be back in action this Saturday (Oct. 16) as they travel to Gaffney, S.C. to take on South Atlantic Conference leader and #9 Limestone University. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30pm with coverage available at www.cokercobras.com.