Davidson tops Campbell, 3-1, in men’s soccer

by Dunn Area Sports Staff | Aug 30, 2021 | Campbell, News & Features

Daniel Hernandez scores for Campbell on Sunday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

BUIES CREEK — Three different Davidson players scored and the Wildcats dealt Campbell a 3-1 setback Sunday in the Camels’ home opener at the Eakes Athletic Complex.

Davidson (2-0) built a three-goal lead through the first hour and handed Campbell just its second home loss in 22 matches at the Eakes Complex. Connor Smith and Jack Wilson provided scores as Davidson led 2-0 at the break, before Vincent Bennage pushed the lead to three in the 59th minute.

Daniel Hernandez scored off Jamie Lamb’s assist just after 70 minutes, but the Camels (1-1) drew no closer.

Campbell finished with a 10-6 edge in shots, but the visitors – which defeated defending Big South champ High Point 3-1 Thursday – scored three times on four attempts on target.

“This is why you play a variety of non-conference teams,” said Campbell coach Dustin Fonder. “Davidson is well-coached and plays the low block and looks to counter. UNCG answered some questions for us Thursday night, and tonight we saw another style that we’ll have to face this year. But this is how you grow your group to prepare for conference play. We don’t like losing — especially at home — but we’ll have a focused week of training to prepare for two games next weekend.”

After Smith broke a scoreless tie in the 24th minute, Tyler Young nearly equalized when his free kick from a sharp angle beat Davidson keeper Giacomo Piccardo, but not the cross bar.

Less than seven minutes into the second period, Kemy Amiche met Jake Morris’ cross with a volley on target, but Piccardo was in position to make the stop.

Hernandez cut the gap to at 70:04 on a right footed shot to the far post.

Campbell continues its four-match home stand Friday against St. Joseph’s (7 p.m.).

(Campbell media services provided the basis for this report)