Eagles Exit SoCon Tournament With 2-1 Overtime Loss
11/7/2010 2:50:00 AM | Men's Soccer
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNCG sophomore Hakan Ilhan scored twice, including the game-winner 3:07 into overtime as top-seeded UNCG survived a scare from eighth-seeded Georgia Southern, 2-1, in Southern Conference Men's Soccer Championship quarterfinal round on Saturday (November 6th).
Ilhan's 10th goal of the year grazed the bottom of the crossbar for the game-winner. The Spartans, who are now unbeaten in their last nine matches (6-0-3), controlled play for much of the night. The Spartans held a 21-5 advantage in shots and had two shots hit the post midway through the first half in a two-minute span.
After a scoreless first half, UNCG had a golden opportunity with 20 minutes left. Adam Shore's point-blank shot was saved by Neal Bates. Brian Graham was there for the rebound, but his shot hit off of Bates' foot and the match remained scoreless.
The Spartans finally broke through at 77:13. Kris Byrd was taken down on the left side of the box and UNCG was awarded a penalty kick. Ilhan blasted it into the left side of the goal to give UNCG a 1-0 lead.
Georgia Southern (3-11-3) tied it, however, with 6:20 left in regulation. A long throw-in from Drew Ruggles went into the box, but was deflected towards the 18-yard line. However, Ethan LaPan was able to gather it in on the left side of the box and hit a one-timer into the net for his fourth tally of the season.
In overtime, the Spartans continued to apply pressure. On a throw-in, Aaron Reifschneider played the ball to the feet on Will Mack. Mack's uncontested cross from the right side found Ilhan in the middle of the box, just above the six-yard box. He blasted into the top of the goal, just grazing the underside of the crossbar for his SoCon leading 10th tally of the year.
Fans can follow the Georgia Southern Men' Soccer team by visiting GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com/msoccer or receive updates on facebook.com/GSAthletics or twitter.com/GSScores.
