GWU Falls To No. 12 Clemson, 3-1, In NCAA Tourney Rematch
September 02, 2007 | Men's Soccer
CLEMSON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb returned to a familiar scene Sunday night, but dropped a 3-1 decision to 12th-ranked Clemson in a rematch of last season's NCAA Tournament second round.
The Tigers went on top 1-0 at the 13:47 mark, when Tommy Drake found the back of the net.
Gardner-Webb hung tough, however, keeping Clemson from adding to its lead until Michael Brooks banged home the Tigers' second goal (40:41 mark) with less than five minutes to play before intermission.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (0-1-1) would get themselves back into the match quickly, with a late flurry as halftime neared. Logan Swaim scored his first goal of the season off assists from Guy Mbamyamsig and Julian Morris at the 43:42 mark, then Eric Asanin-Miroux nearly tied the match for the Runnin' Bulldogs less than a minute later, but was denied by Clemson keeper Joseph Bendik
With momentum heading into the second half, Gardner-Webb kept Clemson within range until the match's latter stages.
After Miguel Pinzon's shot at the 69:39 mark was turned away by Bendik, Clemson pushed its lead to 3-1 at the 71:48 mark on a goal by Nathan Thornton that got past GWU keeper Dane Geraci.
Geraci had saved two consecutive scoring chances by Clemson just
two minutes earlier in a rare flurry of action by the Tigers –
who managed 12 shots in the match.
Gardner-Webb put four of its five shots on goal in the match, but could not solve Bendik, who finished with three saves in 90:00 of action.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will play their third road match in a row on Wednesday, when they battle VMI in Lexington, Va., at 4 pm ET.
| Box Score |
