COLUMBUS, Ohio – Colin Bonner’s second goal of the game, coming in the 104th minute, lifted UNCW past host Ohio State, 2-1, in men’s college soccer action on Friday at the Wolstein Soccer Complex. It was the season opener for both programs.

On the game winning goal, Jamie Dell, a junior midfielder, beat his defender to the end line and sent a low cross to the near post where Bonner got a heel on it and redirected it in for the winner.

“Tonight was a fantastic effort by our team,” said UNCW Head Coach Aidan Heaney. “Ohio State is a difficult opponent and we came to play. We showed strong character after they (OSU) tied the game with a penalty kick. We never dropped our heads.”

Bonner, a sophomore forward, got the Seahawks in the board in the 56th minute when he converted a strong cross from junior Jacob VanCompernolle with a powerful header.

The Buckeyes drew even, however, in the 64th minute when Sage Gardner knocked home a penalty kick.

Sean Melvin made five saves while his opposite number, Alex Ivanov, made seven while the Seahawks held a 20-16 advantage in shots.

Senior Mateo Cardona had an opportunity to give UNCW a lead with 1:38 remaining, but his penalty kick sailed high of the crossbar..

“We’re looking forward to getting back on the field on Sunday against Cincinnati.”

Next up: UNCW plays Cincinnati, a 3-0 loser to Northern Illinois on Friday, on Sunday at noon.

Notes: Sean Melvin made his first collegiate start in goal for UNCW … Bonner raised his career total of goals to eight … For Cardona, his missed penalty was the first in two career attempts … Ohio State played the final 17 minutes down a man following a red card in the 89th minute … Kellen Fosterjoined Melvin as freshmen making the collegiate debuts in the starting 11 … UNCW improved to 3-1-1 in its last five season openers.

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