ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sophomore wing Samson Kpardeh scored a pair of second half goals, leading the Gardner-Webb (12-2-2, 5-1-1) men's soccer team to a thrilling 2-1 win at UNC Asheville (7-6-2, 3-3-1) on Saturday afternoon during the regular season finale.
Gardner-Webb's offense was stymied throughout the first half as the Runnin' Bulldogs posted several shots but could not sneak anything past the Asheville keeper. After two-thirds of the first frame went scoreless, Asheville's Arnor Hardarson put the Bulldogs ahead 1-0 with a goal in the 34th minute.
Looking to bounce back after halftime, GWU created more pressure on the Bulldogs defense before finally breaking through on the scoreboard at the 73:06 mark of the second following Kpardeh's first goal after a beautiful assist from senior forward Jaylen Orr.
It would not take long for Gardner-Webb to take its first lead as Kpardeh collected a brace just two minutes later after junior midfielder Felipe Moreira provided an assist on what proved to be the game-winning goal.
The Runnin' Bulldogs held a 21-9 margin on shots, including 10-4 shots on goal. Senior keeper Alan Horrocks played all 90 minutes in goal, allowing one score while collecting three saves.
With the win, Gardner-Webb clinches the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big South Men's Soccer Championship and will host a semifinal game on Sunday, November 9 at Greene-Harbison Stadium.
