COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sophomore Nathaniel Goodwin gave UNCW a 1-0 lead in the third minute as the Seahawks blanked Cincinnati, 1-0, on Sunday at the Wolstein Soccer Complex.

The Seahawks improved to 2-0 with their first clean sheet of the season while the Bearcats fell to 0-2 following their second blanking of the weekend.

"We had to work really hard today, as Friday's win against Ohio State took a lot out of our legs,” said UNCW Head Coach Aidan Heaney. “Cincinnati played well and after we scored early, made us work for everything we got. I was really proud of the determination and desire our team showed to get the result today.”

UNCW freshman keeper Sean Melvin made eight saves in posting the shutout as UC held a narrow 12-10 advantage in shots.

“I was pleased for Sean, getting his first collegiate shutout in only his second game. He made a huge save for us in the second half and was a calming influence for our team.”

Goodwin notched his first goal of the season at the 2:35 mark when he headed home a cross from the left flank off the foot of junior Jacob VanCompernolle.

Up Next: The Seahawks host the Hilton Garden Inn Classic on Sept. 6. UNCW plays Presbyterian at 7:30 p.m. while Elon and Mercer open the tournament with a 5 p.m. start.

Notes: Goodwin’s goal was the fifth of his career and his first game-winner … For VanCompernolle, it was his second assist of 2013 … Melvin finished the weekend with a 0.46 goals against average while making 13 saves on 27 shots faced … The Seahawks went 2-0 against a pair of first-time opponents and will host another pair of first time opponents next weekend in Mercer and Presbyterian … UNCW started 2-0 for the first time since 2009 (3-1 vs Campbell and 2-0 at Fla. Atlantic) … Last 3-0 start was 2004, opened season with five straight wins.

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