LANGHORNE, PA - In the home opener, the Highlanders took an early lead that held throughout the match. In the second half, sophomore Brett Kikendall sealed the deal with his second goal of the game, which was an unassisted goal to put the Highlanders up 2-0.
 
The Highlanders started out hot in the first half. Led up the field, Kikendall got a touch in the box for an opportunity to let one rip. As he dribbled in, a slide tackle took him out from the side and he was awarded a penalty kick in the 14^th minute. He made the Phoenix pay as he was able to cash in, finding the back of the net to put the Highlanders up 1-0 in a hasty start.
 
The Phoenix led The Highlanders in shots taken in both halves of the match and paced consistent offense for the Cairn University defense. In his first start of the year, sophomore Grant Grogan posted a clean sheet between the pipes and made saves that frustrated the Phoenix offense.
 
Although Phoenix had more opportunities to strike, the Highlanders posted more shots on goal and it clearly paved the way for their victory. A solid defense was played by Cairn as a majority of the shots taken by Wilson were blocked or forced wide.
 
In the second half, a rush down-field supported by a Highlander offense threatened the Wilson defense. A through ball was intercepted by the Phoenix defense and played off to the goalie. Pressure from Kikendall forced the ball loose and provided an acute opportunity to deposit a blast into the back of the net for his second goal of the match. That set a score of 2-0 that would hold for the rest of the match.
 
Junior Joey Weaver added to the Cairn offensive pressure finding three opportunities to strike, two of those shots came in the second half. A dangerous moment occurred in the 56^th minute as Weaver unleashed one off the cross bar, which set up a header, and a treacherous shot from Junior Paul Franco. The Wilson defense was able to defuse the sparking offense, ensuring the deficit remained to only two goals.
 
Respectable defense was on display from both sides in the contest.   Both teams played a physical and intense game, as the rain poured down on the slick field, which caused the referee to talk to multiple players.
 
After the game, When Franco was asked about his thoughts on the match. He explained "We played a good game. We had a tough one yesterday and the team really got back together and played well. 2-0 win against Wilson, not an easy team." 
 
The Highlanders even their record at 1-1 and will travel to Baltimore to be hosted by Goucher College on Wednesday Sept. 6^th for a night game set for 7:00 p.m.