The Lees-McRae College Bobcats soccer team, ranked #23 in the
country, took on King College Tornado in non-conference action at
King Monday evening. The Bobcats dropped the road game 3-2, falling
to 4-3-1 (1-1 CVAC).
The host Tornado jumped on the Bobcats early, out shooting the
visitors 11-3 in the first half. Dylan Lawrence shut the door in
the Bobcats goal as the Tornado peppered him with shots. However,
Lawrence could not get behind a Dean Hughes header that gave the
home side a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. Minutes later, Kyle
McGimsey was sent off with a red card, leaving the Bobcats with ten
players on the field. However, the determined Bobcats battled back
to tie the score shortly afterwards in the 25th minute when Berin
Boracic found the back of the net. The Tornado's Michael Houbre
put King up 2-1 heading into halftime after connecting on a corner
kick.
Both teams came out hungry for the win in the second with Diego
Cordiero knotting the score at two with a goal in the 59th minute.
Six minutes later, Alex Mendy made good on a Tornado penalty kick
to give the home side the 3-2 lead. The Bobcats would continue to
press for the equalizer but were unable to muster anymore offence
as they continued to play short one man.
"We played hard and with emotion, showing much character and
heart playing down one player for three quarter's of the game,"
commented Head Coach Chris Whalley. "However, mistakes are always
going to cost you. Tonight they cost us the game."
The Bobcats will play their final non-conference game Thursday
at Tate Field when they host USC-Upstate at 6:00p.m.
