Wilmington, NC - Cape Fear men's soccer lost 2-1 to Wake Tech Community College in a tightly contested match.

The teams entered Saturday's game after playing each other just four days earlier in Holly Springs, NC. That game was close as well, with the Sea Devils edging the Eagles 3-2.

Most of the action in Saturday's game came in the first half. Wake Tech got on the board first, as the Eagles' Luciano Tomasello scored in the 10th minute. The Sea Devils equalized in the 22nd minute, as Franco Fernandez scored unassisted. The game remained level until the 31st minute, when Wake Tech's Donnison Dezanti scored off an assist from Jonah Mulligan.

Cape Fear was more active offensively in the second half, with nine shot attempts and four on target. None got past the goalkeeper, however, and Wake Tech walked away the winner.

""We came out flat and definitely not ready to play," said assistant coach Chris Harper. "We just didn't want it bad enough."

While he was frustrated with the team's overall performance, Coach Harper did commend the performances of Alex Rodriguez and Nathaniel Lorenz for their work rate and heart today.

Head coach C.W. Ponton echoed his assistant regarding his team's performance.

"From the moment we arrived I could tell they weren't ready and didn't come to win, which is inexcusable on our home field. One could argue this was our worst performance of the season."

Ponton felt Eric Brewer, Rodriguez, and Lorenz played well, but reiterated that the Sea Devils did not come ready to play.

"I felt Eric Brewer played well, along with the two Coach Harper mentioned. I'm very disappointed in my team though, especially the communication. They clearly didn't come to play today."

Ponton finished by calling upon his team to be ready for the next game.

"We play on Monday, so I expect my team will get the rest they need the rest of today and Sunday since they were clearly too tired for the match today."

The Sea Devils outshot the Eagles 13-10 for the game, but Wake Tech had more shots on target (6-4). Cape Fear edged Wake Tech on corner kicks, 6-5.

The loss drops the Sea Devils to 5-3 on the season and 4-3 in conference. Wake Tech improves to 5-4.

Cape Fear plays again on Monday, October 2nd, where they will face USC Salkehatchie at home. Gametime is set for 5:30, and the game will be streamed live on Youtube. A link to the game can be found on goseadevils.com

Courtesy of Nick Denning