Raliegh, NC - Twice, weather prevented the Johnson & Wales men's soccer team from potentially making history and claiming their first victory.  On Sunday, a 25-yard strike from Jalen Jackson ensured they wouldn't need to wait a day longer.

Jackson's goal midway through the second half proved the difference as the Wildcats (1-0, 1-0 USCAA) won their first official match against a spirited Wake Tech Community College side 1-0 at the WRAL Complex.

The Wildcats had two previous matches called off due to inclement weather, and reports of incoming storms threatened to disrupt Sunday's match but never materialized.

"I'm happy for the guys," said Johnson & Wales head coach James Drzewiecki.  "Wake Tech was a better side than what was advertised and they made us work hard for the win.  To our credit, I thought we did a very nice job of staying organized defensively, winning challenges, and pulling their backline out of shape with our pace.  We were probably unlucky not to score a couple other chances, but thankfully one was enough.  I'm proud of the effort."

JP Gutierrez played Jackson out of the midfield, and the freshman striker didn't waste time running at the opposing center backs before unleashing a dipping effort past goalkeeper Joseph Davis.

Wildcat freshman goalkeeper John Lowes picked up his first clean sheet of the year, aided by strong play from center backs Dominic DiGiacomo and Jonathan Fucci.  Lowes finished with six saves on the day.

Johnson & Wales will return to action on Thursday when they host the reserves from Belmont Abbey College at the OrthoCarolina SportsPlex in Pineville.  Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m.