STATESBORO, Ga. ? In its final home game of the season, the Georgia Southern men's soccer team matched a tough College of Charleston, Tuesday evening (Oct. 30) at Eagle Field, but fell in a 2-0 Southern Conference decision.
The Eagles fall to 6-10-0 on the season, 2-5-0 in SoCon play, while College of Charleston improves to 11-4-1 overall and 5-1-0 in league games.
College of Charleston got up on the scoreboard in the 25th minute when Kareem Yearwood received a through ball up the left side to take a strike eight yards out.
Georgia Southern put up six shots in the first half but was unable to capitalize on its opportunities and notch the equalizer.
Both teams went into the locker room with a 1-0 Charleston lead. At the break, the Cougars held an 8-6 advantage in shots, while GSU tallied a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
Over the next 42 minutes the Eagles maintained a constant offensive attack, but were unable to find the back of the net.
It wasn't until the 87th minute that Charleston's Zach Prince added the Cougars' second goal for insurance, shooting from 20 yards out, and giving his team the 2-0 lead.
“Hats off to Charleston,” said head coach Kevin Kennedy. “They've had a great season. They've worked for each other and they capitalized on the opportunities today.”
The Cougars outshot the Eagles 18-11 on the day, while Georgia Southern held a decisive 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Junior Julian Donaldson (Aurora, Colo.) and freshman Luigi Clendening (Augusta, Ga.) each tallied a team-high three shots.
“I thought Julian (Donaldson) had another good game for us,” said Kennedy. “He was dangerous for us. As a team, we just need to finish our opportunities.”
In the cage fulltime was sophomore Joey Ralph (Martinez, Ga.) who made seven saves. Cougar keeper Corbin Waller made six saves on the day for the win.
“I thought Joey (Ralph) had another good performance,” said Kennedy. “He made some big saves for us. Overall we just have to be more consistent.”
The Eagles will play their last game of the regular season against non-conference foe Stetson. The game, to be played at Stetson Soccer Complex in DeLand, Fla., is slated for Tuesday, November 6 at 7 p.m.
