BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. - - A header by Rebecca Sowers tied the match at 1-1 but a pair of late goal sent Dowling past the Wilmington University women's soccer team, 3-1, in the Wildcats' final nonconference match of the 2013 season at Golden Lions' Field.

The Wildcats (5-9-1 overall) tied the match in the 55th minute but the home Golden Lions (10-3-1 overall) rallied to score goals in the 69th and 77th goals to avoid the upset. Dowling was ranked seventh in the first NCAA Regional Rankings released earlier this week.

After going down 1-0 in the first half, and being outshot, 13-1, in the first 45 minutes, the Wildcats responded with a goal on their first shot in the second frame.

Victoria Vasapolli put a cross into the box, finding the head of Sowers who beat Golden Lion goalkeeper Melissa Guglielmo to the top left corner for her first collegiate goal.

But Dowling came back as Christina Cottone tallied her second goal of the match in the 69th minute which turned into the game-winner. Her shot from 20 yards out beat Wildcat goalkeeper Julia Brown to the top left corner of the goal at the 68:05 mark of the second half.

The Golden Lions added an insurance goal in the 77th minute on a header by Ally Abruzzo to make it 3-1.

Brown recorded 13 saves for the Wildcats while the Golden Lions outshot the Wildcats, 29-3, for the match. Dowling also earned more corners, 10-0, including six in the second half.

Sowers' shot was the lone opportunity that was on frame while Sara Eggert and Kim Richer also tallied shots for the Wildcats.

The Wildcat return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action for their final two matches of the season. They first travel to Nyack on Saturday for a 12 p.m. match.