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University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Carolina Wilmington
VS
Campbell University
Campbell University
Match Report

UNCW Edges Campbell 3-2 in Thrilling Conference Clash

By College Footy Soccer October 19, 2025 3 min read 0 views
University of North Carolina Wilmington
3-2
Campbell University

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA - Marco Wright needed just 12 minutes and 43 seconds to give UNCW the early advantage, slotting home a precise through ball from Gavin Carmichael before a crowd of 1,247 at UNCW Soccer Stadium.

The early breakthrough set the tone for what became an action-packed encounter, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Campbell pushed hard for an equalizer, but UNCW's defense held firm, marshaling their efforts to deny the visitors a clear chance. The Seahawks' goalkeeper made three saves in the first half, while UNCW managed four shot attempts on target despite controlling much of the play.

The first half was marked by UNCW's dominance in possession, with Martin Rivera and Evans Dapaah orchestrating the attack. They created several half-chances, but Campbell's goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Meanwhile, Campbell struggled to create clear opportunities, managing only two shot attempts on target.

The second half began with a flurry of activity, as Wright doubled UNCW's advantage in the 50th minute, finishing clinically after a perfectly weighted pass from Dapaah. Campbell responded with renewed urgency, but UNCW's defense remained resolute.

Christian Acevedo's introduction as a substitute in the 55th minute proved pivotal, as he scored twice in quick succession - first in the 57th minute off a clever combination with Gavin Carmichael and Martin Rivera, and again in the 62nd minute, assisted by Jake Shannon and Jack Clarkson. Campbell finally found the back of the net through Ethan Newsome in the 86th minute, but it was too little, too late.

The statistical ledger reveals a tale of two teams - one that controlled the game and another that fought hard to stay in it. UNCW outshot Campbell 16-9 overall and held a significant advantage in shots on target, 9-8. The Seahawks also dominated the corner-kick battle, earning nine opportunities to Campbell's zero. The visitors managed three yellow cards, while UNCW received none, despite having nine yellow cards recorded in their previous match.

The victory represents more than three points for UNCW; it extends their winning streak to two games and improves their record to 4-6-2 overall and 3-3 in conference play. For Campbell, the loss snaps their seven-game unbeaten streak and drops them to 7-4-4 overall, with a 3-1-2 record in conference. The Fighting Camels will look to bounce back against USC Upstate next, while UNCW prepares for a challenging test against Clemson.

Looking ahead, the paths diverge sharply for these two teams. UNCW will need to maintain their defensive solidity against a potent Clemson attack, while Campbell must address their finishing woes if they hope to remain competitive in the conference standings.

The afternoon belonged to Marco Wright and Christian Acevedo, whose goalscoring prowess proved decisive in the Seahawks' victory. As UNCW looks to build on this momentum, their attacking duo will be crucial in their upcoming fixtures.

Key Players:

Marco Wright (UNCW) – The Seahawks' forward showed clinical finishing, scoring twice and giving his team the foundation for victory with his early goal.

Christian Acevedo (UNCW) – Acevedo's introduction as a substitute proved pivotal, as he scored twice in quick succession to seal the win for UNCW.

Evans Dapaah (UNCW) – The midfielder orchestrated UNCW's attack, providing the assist for Wright's second goal and creating several other scoring opportunities.

Ethan Newsome (Campbell) – Newsome's late goal provided a glimmer of hope for Campbell, but ultimately came too late to change the outcome of the match.

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