Men's Soccer Southern Conference

Davidson Soccer Falls To Coastal Carolina In NCAA Action

CONWAY, S.C. - The Davidson men's soccer team's stay in the 2003 NCAA Tournament came to an end on Friday night as the No. 12 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers posted a 3-0 victory in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Coastal Soccer Field. The Wildcats finish their season at 15-6-2 overall while Coastal advances with a mark of 19-2.

Coastal Carolina's prolific offense showed itself quite early in the game, as the Chanticleer forwards netted the team's first two goals within seven minutes of the opening whistle.

"It's a very big hurdle for any team to overcome two quick goals. I don't fault our defense, but credit great plays by their forwards - they stepped up and made outstanding goals," said head coach Matt Spear.

An early Coastal corner kick deflected off of the foot of Mubarike Chisoni in the box. Coastal's leading point-getter Joseph Ngwenya got a foot on the ball and put it into the net to give the home team the early advantage. Prior to that score, the Wiildcats hadn't given up a goal in 329:44 minutes of action, having shutout their last three opponents. Less than two minutes later Chisoni beat a Wildcat defender and, on a breakaway down the far side of the field, sent a cross into the box for Ngwenya to drill it past a diving Bart Creasman.

Davidson settled down as the first half wore on but the damage already seemed done. With about 15 minutes to play in the half, a free kick by senior midfielder David Peoples resulted in a scramble in the goalie box. Senior forward Nick Hansell headed a loose ball that glanced off the crossbar, but the Wildcats were unable to cut the lead in half. Moments later, the 'Cats had another perfect opportunity as senior defender Justin Porter headed a shot towards goal that was blocked out by a Coastal defender.

Just as the Wildcats started to penetrate the goal, the Chanticleers stole possession of the ball and got ahead of the Davidson defenders. Boyzzz Khumalo sent a long cross to the far corner of the box where Jordie Hughes was waiting to tuck the ball in the near post for Coastal's third goal of the contest.

Despite chants of 'Go Wildcats' by the large crowd of Davidson fans who made the trip, the 'Cats were unable to get its attack going. Chanticleer keeper Andrew Paxton made six saves on 10 Wildcat shots, helping Coastal post a school-record tying 15th shutout of the season. The Chanticleers head to the University of North Carolina to take on the Tar Heels on Nov. 26 in second round tournament action.

Although Davidson's run in the postseason came to an end much too early, it was not before the Wildcats earned an outright Southern Conference regular season title and swept through the conference tournament to bring home the crown.

"Our seniors have had an incredible career," offered Spear, "that's what we're celebrating right now. Making the NCAA Tournament is a massive achievement for our program. This year's experience will aid us in the future."