Eagles Score Early, Shutout Radford, 1-0
9/16/2007 4:15:00 AM | Men's Soccer
ROCK HILL, S.C. ? BJ Reine's goal at the 2:03 mark combined with a strong Georgia Southern defense to give the Eagles a 1-0 shutout win over Radford, Sunday afternoon, at the Wingate Inn Classic.
The win on neutral ground improves the Eagles' record to 2-4-0 on the season and snaps a four-game skid. Radford drops to 3-3-0 with the loss.
The Eagles' goal was set up by junior Daniel Smith (Marietta, Ga.) who dribbled past a defender and played the ball to the left where Reine (Baton, Rouge, La.) one-touched the ball from eight yards out into the far corner of the goal.
The strike was one of four that the Eagles produced in the first half, compared to the Highlanders' five.
“BJ (Reine) had a great goal. We were fortunate to finish one of the opportunities that we created,” said head coach Kevin Kennedy. “The boys were committed to not give up a soft goal. Radford put us under some pressure.”
After the break, Radford turned up the offensive threat, but the Eagles would not relinquish the lead. Though the Highlanders added nine more shots in the second half, Georgia Southern was able to hold on for the win.
Senior goalkeeper Brian Young (Roswell, Ga.) was credited with the victory, the team's second on the young season, and made four saves in the second half.
Young was named to the All-Classic team, along with teammates Sean Sandoval (Aurora, Colo.) and Luigi Clendening (Augusta, Ga.).
“We felt like Brian's leadership and communication was what we needed,” said Kennedy. “He played really well for us today.”
Additionally, Reine was named the tournament's Offensive Most Valuable Player after registering one goal on four shots.
“More than anything, it's good to get a win,” added Kennedy. “Now the focus is on North Florida and we hope to continue to improve as we prepare for Southern Conference play.”
After concluding the seven-game stretch of road games, the Eagles will continue action as they return home to Eagle Field to host North Florida. The non-conference match-up is slated for Wednesday, Sep. 19 at 5 p.m.
