WINGATE, N.C. -  The Newberry men's soccer team came crashing back to earth Sunday afternoon, as South Atlantic Conference rival Wingate crushed the Indians 5-0, in only the second game played on Wingate's football field.  The Indians dropped to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in SAC conference play.

"We lost very badly," said first year Indian head coach Sam Okpodu. "But this was a good experience for my boys and me, because we got a first-hand look at how tough our conference really is.

"Now we know what it's going to take to be successful in the SAC."

The loss was especially tough to swallow, since the Indians made its first appearance in the NSCAA regional ranks, ranked 10th in the Appalachian Region.

The game was nearly cancelled, after heavy rainfall throughout the week left Wingate's soccer field unplayable.  The game was moved from Saturday, to a Sunday game played on the Bulldogs' football field.

The game started very well for the Indians, getting some early chances, and spending a sizeable chunk of the first half in Bulldog territory.  Unfortunately, Newberry couldn't take advantage, as Wingate relied on their usual suspects to get the job done.
 
2003 Third team NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division II All-American Robert Dawson scored once in each half to lead the Wingate offense. Bulldog senior defender Thomas Szvetitz opened the scoring at the 22:08 mark on an assist from freshman defender Jordan Bowen to make it 1-0 Wingate.

Dawson scored his first goal in the 27th minute when hit booted a shot from the opposite sideline, a curling ball that went upper-90 for the goal. Dawson was assisted on the play by freshman midfielder James Lavery.

Wingate led 3-0 at intermission, thanks to a goal by junior midfielder Kevin Benfield. Dawson assisted on the play, feeding Benfield with a perfect right-to-left cross at the 38:48 plateau.

Bulldog graduate forward Benj Bostic opened the second half scoring at the 48:41 mark. Senior forward Randy Lazicki sent a throw-in to junior midfielder Travis Myernick , who flicked the ball to Bostic for the score.

Dawson completed the scoring in the 76th minute on an assist from freshman midfielder Robbie O'Neil. Wingate outshot Newberry 14-11 on the afternoon.

Wingate junior goalkeeper Dustin Prickett recorded the shutout with four saves.

Up next for the Indians are 14th ranked Lander University at Greenwood, S.C.  This Saturday, Newberry is back home against Mars Hill.