Davidson 1, Appalachian State 1 (2OT)
DAVIDSON, N.C. - Charlie Reiter's penalty kick in the 90th minute led Davidson to a 1-1 draw with Appalachian State in Southern Conference men's soccer action Wednesday evening at Alumni Stadium. The tie lifts the Wildcats to 2-10-1 overall and 1-3-1 in the league, while Appalachian State moves to 6-5-3 and 2-2-1.
With just four seconds remaining in regulation, Appalachian State's Paul Pessina was called for a hand ball in the box, which awarded the Wildcats the PK. Along with being issued a yellow card for the foul, Pessina was quickly, displayed the red for descent and ejected from the match.
Reiter capitalized on the attempt with a low strike just past the diving outstretched arms of Greg Walters to tie the score and send the contest into overtime. The equalizer was the third goal in as many contests for the sophomore midfielder.
"I was really happy that Robert O'Donnell fought hard to earn the hand ball," said Reiter. "Once it was called, I was confident and composed since I have a lot of experience in those situations."
Despite being outshot 9-5 in the opening period and Appalachian State controlling the corner kicks 6-2, Davidson had the best scoring chance when Mauricio Simms' one-on-one attempt in the seventh minute missed just wide.
The Mountaineers finally broke the scoreless deadlock in the 77th minute when Draegon Scarborough fed J.T. LaBruyere, who turned and lofted a shot over the head of Davidson keeper Robby Goldsberry into the top-right corner.
Sean Sassano just missed his sixth goal of the campaign and ending things with 5:22 remaining in the second overtime, but Goldsberry made a game-saving stop on his attempt from point blank range.
"I love how our team has fought back against adversity in the last two games to come from behind," commented Wildcat co-captain Cameron Griffin.
Appalachian State finished with a 20-13 margin in shots. The Wildcats' Goldsberry led both keepers with eight saves, while Walters turned away four of his own for ASU.
"I applaud Appalachian State," said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. "For us, it's a great comeback and a very important conference result."
Davidson will continue its five-game homestand Saturday afternoon in a 4 p.m. contest against Coastal Carolina at 1992 Team Field. The Mountaineers return to action Oct. 20 at SoCon foe Georgia Southern.
Wofford 3, VMI 0
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- A three-save shutout and the first career goal by Wofford junior goalkeeper Joey Taylor helped the Terriers garner a 3-0 non-conference men's soccer victory Wednesday evening over former Southern Conference foe VMI at Snyder Field in Spartanburg, S.C. The triumph was Wofford's second straight over a Big South opponent following Monday's 1-0 win against UNC Asheville.
Senior Reed Blair started the scoring in the first half with his first of the season at 19:58. Freshman Kentrel Owens fed a through-ball to Blair, who beat the Keydet defense to the left side before sending his shot back across the goal mouth past VMI (5-6-2) goalie Brian Sowell.
Taylor then capitalized on his opportunity to net his first career score. Following a Wofford (4-8-2) corner kick, a Keydet defender was whistled for a foul inside the 18-yard box. Taylor trotted down field and lined up against his counterpart, Sowell, for the penalty kick situation. He placed the ball in the lower right-hand corner and gave the host Terriers a 2-0 advantage at 72:07.
The final Wofford goal came at 78:54 when freshman Wilson Hood sent a long throw-in from the right sideline into the six-yard box. Junior Callum Easter headed the ball off the ground and bounced it past Sowell for his first score of the campaign.
In a game that was very physical and featured a total of six yellow cards, the Terriers held a 16-6 edge on shots with junior Haskins Howerton and first-year Armin Kinigadner each tallying three to lead all players. Barrett Luxhoj attempted a pair to pace the Keydets.
Taylor finished with three saves for his fifth shutout of the season, moving him within one of Mark Buskirk's single-season Wofford record of six set in 1979. Taylor now has eight career blankings, five shy of Will King (1990-93) all-time mark of 13.
Sowell collected four saves in net before being relieved for the final 7:57 by Steve Phillips. Phillips stopped one Terrier shot while in the cage.
Wofford will return to action at 6 p.m. Saturday when it resumes Southern Conference play against Elon at Snyder Field as part of Family Weekend festivities on campus.
Clemson 2, #14 Furman 1
Clemson, S.C. -- Clemson netted two first half goals and weathered constant pressure from a shorthanded Furman squad in the second half to down the 14th-ranked Paladins 2-1 in non-conference men’s soccer action Wednesday evening at Historic Riggs Field in Clemson, S.C.
Clemson upped its record to 6-7-1 on the season with its second straight win over a ranked opponent while Furman dropped to 12-2-0.
Clemson took a 1-0 lead at the 4:35 mark on Nathan Thornton’s fourth goal of the season. Drake passed to Eric Cava on the right side and the midfielder sent diagonal ball into the box. Thornton beat his defender to the through ball and slotted a shot past Paladin keeper Bryan Amos to the near side.
The Tigers struck another blow in the 35th minute. Tate Parrish intercepted Jon Leathers’ back pass and was taken down in the box by Michael Erwood. The Paladin defender received a red card and Drake converted the penalty kick to give Clemson a commanding 2-0 lead at 34:18.
Furman cut the lead in half at the 65:35 mark on Shea Salinas’ third goal of the season. Patrick Murray played a centering pass to Jordan Howard who had his shot blocked. Salinas collected the ball on the left side of the box and beat Clemson keeper Joseph Bendik top shelf to trim the margin to 2-1.
The Paladins controlled possession for most of the final 20 minutes, but couldn’t best Bendik who finished with three saves for the Tigers. Bryan Amos stopped two shots, both in one versus one situations, to suffer just his second defeat of the season.
Each team attempted 10 shots and took two corner kicks while the Tigers committed 20 fouls to Furman’s 11 infractions.
The Tigers’ two goals marked the first time this season that Furman has allowed multiple goals in a match.
Furman returns to Southern Conference play Saturday when it travels to the College of Charleston for a 6 p.m. match at Patriots Point.