Photo Credit to Gerry Wall
BANNER ELK, N.C. --- Senior Jacob Copeland scored his first two goals of the year, propelling the Lees-McRae men's soccer team to a 3-0 win against Conference Carolinas foe Belmont Abbey Wednesday evening at Tate Field in Banner Elk, N.C.
The Bobcats (4-5, 2-2 CC) have won three of their four matches via shutout. The Crusaders (1-7-1, 0-3-1) struggled while only managing three shots on the night.
Copeland (Raleigh, N.C.) came into the contest with two goals in his career.
The senior wasted no time by scoring 45 seconds after entering the match in the 28th minute. Freshman Palle Jespersen (Malente, Germany) sent a ball into the box that was corralled by Thomas Deeley (Timaru, New Zealand).
Deeley back heel flicked a pass to Copeland, who finished the play and notched the eventual match-winner.
Coach Rich Wall's squad came out in full force in the second half and scored only 1:48 into the frame.
Sophomore Nathan Watt (Newcastle, United Kingdom) earned an assist on the second goal when he delivered a perfect pass to the top of the box. Deeley timed a bicycle kick perfectly and blasted it past a helpless Luke Whalen.
"Goal of the year without a doubt," said Wall.
Copeland delivered the knockout blow when he scored a breakaway goal at the 71:19 mark.
The duo of James Abraham (Maidstone, England) and James Morgan (Newcastle, England) collected assists on the play.
Deeley led all players with four shots. Sophomore Tyler Pavlet (Goodyear, Ariz.) earned the clean slate and had no saves.
LMC travels to Emmanuel (Ga.), Saturday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in Franklin Springs, Ga.
- LMC -
