Carlisle's hat trick not enough, Eagles fall 4-3 to UCF in exhibition
8/24/2013 7:39:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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Orlando, Fla. – Georgia Southern's second trip to the Sunshine State was a wet affair as the Eagles played well in a 4-3 loss to UCF. Witt Carlisle scored all three Georgia Southern goals as UCF netted goals off a penalty and a corner kick in the final minutes to secure the victory.
The Eagles went down early on a fourth minute penalty. Josh Ward conceded the spot kick with a mis-timed challenge in the danger area. Romario Williams tucked in the spot kick for a 1-0 UCF advantage.
The Eagles drew level in the 28th minute as Witt Carlisle got his name on the scoresheet. The senior was opportunistic, cleaning up a loose rebound at the edge of the six-yard box. Reed Norton's hard shot got away from the keeper and Carlisle put the ball into the back of the net.
The Eagles, however, gave UCF the lead back on the stroke of halftime. Alex Marotta headed a loose rebound across to take a 2-1 lead for the Knights going into the halftime break.
UCF went 3-1 up just 1:19 into the second half when Williams was able to make a turn on the ball in the box and shoot the ball past goalkeeper Jack Falle.
Georgia Southern's response came in the 70th minute when Carlisle got his second goal of the night. Reed Norton sprung Carlisle on a run through the attacking third and the senior struck a right-footed shot at the edge of the penalty area to the opposite post, finding the net to cut the lead to 3-2.
Carlisle secured his hat trick in the 82nd minute with a wonderful attack. The senior forward hit the ball home from just inside the box for GSU's second equalizer of the night, tying the score at 3-3.
Three minutes later UCF posted the game-winning goal when a shot from 20-yards out was deflected in the penalty area. Mason Miller was credited with the winner and Leon Carby was given the assist.
Seven Eagles went all 90 minutes with the regular season opener less than a week away.
Georgia Southern Men's Soccer's 2013 campaign starts on August 30th by hosting the 2013 SoCon/Big South Challenge at Eagle Field. The Eagles play against Winthrop starting at 7:30 p.m.
Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics and twitter.com/GSAthletics, and the "Eagles GATA" mobile app for Android and iOS.
