Men’s Soccer Downs Gardner-Webb, 2-0
9/2/2012 10:50:36 PM | Men's Soccer
// BOX SCORE // UPDATED STATS (9-2-2012) //
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Georgia Southern Men’s Soccer earned a 2-0 victory over Gardner-Webb on Sunday afternoon in the 2012 SoCon/Big South Challenge. Witt Carlisle broke a 0-0 deadlock in the 63rd minute with his second goal of the year, while Drew Ruggles added a penalty kick goal in the 65th minute. Southern’s victory also clinched the SoCon/Big South Challenge Championship for the Eagles.
“I felt like today’s game was our best match of the year so-far,” said Head Coach Kevin Kennedy. “We were dominant for most of the afternoon, and it paid off in the win. I was happy with the defense, keeping a shutout against a very good Gardner-Webb team.”
After an hour of scoreless play, Witt Carlisle opened the floodgates in the 63rd minute, scoring his second goal of the season. A wide ball was played into the danger area past a dummy run of Seth Prieto and to the foot of Carlisle. He slotted the shot from eight yards out into the back of the net for a 1-0 Georgia Southern lead.
Just two minutes later, the Eagles doubled their advantage with a penalty kick. It was the second GSU spot kick in the last two matches with both attempts being the result of handballs in the box. Drew Ruggles scored the penalty kick for his first goal of the year.
Goalkeeper Jack Falle made three saves on the afternoon for his first collegiate shutout. The victory improves the Eagles to 2-0-1 on the year.
Georgia Southern had four players on the All-Tournament team with Witt Carlisle, Joe Hughes, Drew Ruggles and Jack Falle earning a slot on the team for their strong play.
The Eagles are back at home for a pair of games on September 8th and 10th. GSU faces North Florida on Saturday afternoon before hosting Mercer on Monday afternoon at Eagle Field.
Fans can follow their Eagles at GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com or receive short updates at facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics or on Google+ at gplus.to/GSAthletics.
