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VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY: Cape Tech’s golden goal thwarts WCA rally

Cape May Tech's Theodore Woolery looks to bring the ball out of the air.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – Adam Dille helped the Cape May Tech boys soccer team end a comeback bid by Wildwood Catholic in the season opener for both teams Thursday.

Dille scored his second goal of the game by slotting inside the left post from 10 yards late in the first period of extra time to give the Hawks a dramatic 4-3 victory.

Dille’s goal saved Cape May Tech from what would have been a frustrating result. Although Wildwood Catholic enjoyed more of the possession in the contest, the Hawks had more chances. Cape Tech hit the woodwork three times and also missed the frame on a couple of other shots from close range.

“A lot of chances for us and some unfortunate misses, but it’s early in the season and we’re still working the kinks out,” Tech coach Jon Harris said. “But I’m proud of the guys.”

  • Wildwood Catholic's Jimmy Kane (center) turns toward goal as Cape May Tech's Dylan Reilly and Amine Cherifi defend.
  • Cape May Tech's Dylan Wilson (left) and Wildwood Catholic's Vince Tenaglia battle for possession.
  • Wildwood Catholic's Peyton Rosenello looks to distribute.
  • Wildwood Catholic's Adam Dille drives past Wildwood Catholic's Patrick Feketics.
  • Ethan Morford of Cape May Tech works ahead of Wildwood Catholic's Joe Jacquelin.
  • Wildwood Catholic's T.J. DiDonato settles the ball in the midfield.
  • Cape May Tech's Theodore Woolery looks to bring the ball out of the air.
  • Cape May Tech's Max Beall and Wildwood Catholic's Chris Papageorgiou battle in the midfield.
  • Cape May Tech's Lucas Woolcock and Wildwood Catholic's T.J. DiDonato battle for the ball.
  • Cape May Tech's Rayane Cherifi holds possession.
  • Cape May Tech's Emerich Scamoffa and Wildwood Catholic's Jimmy Kane battle near the edge of the penalty area.

Dille had a hand in three of Cape May Tech’s four goals. He assisted on Theodore Woolery’s opener only a few minutes into the contest before scoring on a penalty kick about seven minutes later.

“Adam worked his butt off the entire game, just like he did the entire preseason,” Harris said. “I’m proud of him.”

Jimmy Kane pulled one back for Wildwood Catholic less than five minutes before halftime, but Ethan Morford’s tally midway through the second half seemed to put the Hawks in control.

But Kane, one of South Jersey’s top players, wouldn’t let Wildwood Catholic go away. He scored twice in the final 15 minutes to force extra time, the equalizing goal finding the top left corner from 23 yards out.

Wildwood Catholic again had more possession in extra time but Morford sent a ball from near the touch line to the top of the box to Dille, whose finish gave the Hawks the victory.

“We’ve been thinking about this game since the beginning of training camp,” Harris said. “The kids all know each other. It gets a little chippy, but that’s only because the kids are friendly with one another. Beating a big rival is definitely a good feeling for us. It’s great to start off on the right foot.”

Cape May Tech is in action again on Friday, hosting Lower Cape May. Wildwood Catholic is at Oakcrest Tuesday.