BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WV News) — Coming into a match with soccer powerhouse Wheeling Park, Bridgeport coach Keith Dumas felt that his team could compete. But confidence proved to be the difference maker as the Indians downed the Patriots 2-1 in a thrilling match on Saturday.
Bridgeport became the first team in West Virginia to score two goals on Wheeling Park in a single match this season. "That's big," coach Dumas said. "They're a really good team.
I thought we played well. We had as many chances as they did. We didn't bury a couple of breakaways.
" Wheeling Park controlled early looks in the match, capitalizing on its pace to nearly take 10 shots on goal in the first half alone. Wheeling Park’s Wilson Hanna scored the first goal of the match within the first 10 minutes from the center of the field on a blown play. "Their only goal, we gave them that goal," coach Dumas said.
"We played it into the middle and they were quick on the counter. You can't play it 25 yards out from goal and lose it. They countered and made us pay right away.
" Bridgeport keeper Andrew Dumas did a tremendous job of deflecting and stopping plenty of shots that were often placed with precision. He finished with seven saves in the first half. The Indians would apply late pressure by taking control in the midfield during the final 15 minutes of the first half.
Bridgeport took five shots on goal in that stretch, but none would find the mark. Wheeling Park goalkeeper Gavin Border finished with eight saves i.