ANDERSON, SC - The Lees-McRae Bobcats soccer team suffered their
first loss of the season Saturday afternoon, dropping a 1-0 contest
in overtime in Conference Carolinas action to Anderson University.
The upset win over the 11th ranked Bobcats improves the Trojans
record to 3-4 (2-0 Conference Carolinas) while the Bobcats now
stand at 5-1-1 (1-1 Conference Carolinas).
Lahnden Onger took a pass from Zach Denson and connected from
the left wing in the 98th minute to give the Trojans the win and
keep them perfect in conference play. The match was a physical
affair with 49 fouls assessed, 28 on Anderson and 21 on
Lees-McRae. Both teams were also booked for five yellow cards with
Anderson's goalkeeper Adrian Osborne also being whistled for a
red. At the 97:35 mark, Osborne came out to challenge for the ball
and collided with the Bobcats Lee Squires drawing the red card from
the referee. Osborne was replaced in goal with Preston
Freeman.
Freeman saw little action, as Onger ended things just under
thirty seconds later to give AU the win.
"We played well for most of the game, generating chances for
ourselves throughout but unfortunately none that we were able to
capitalize on," commented Head Coach Chris Whalley. "We give
Anderson full marks for their effort; they buried their opportunity
in overtime. Our conference is full of parity; no one can take a
night off with an easy game. We've got to put this behind us,
regroup and focus on Wednesday's game against a tough Limestone
squad."
The Bobcats held the edge in shots 11-7. Bobcats keeper Sean
Paradise (pictured top left) registered one save in the contest
while Osborne was credited with five.
The Bobcats will battle the Saints in Gaffney, SC Wednesday
evening. Kickoff is set for 4:00pm.
