Cougars Win SoCon Tournament - CofCSports.com--Official Web site of College of Charleston Athletics

Sunday, November 14

Blackbaud Stadium

1pm

College of Charleston

Davidson

Cougars Win SoCon Tournament - CofCSports.com--Official Web site of College of Charleston Athletics

11/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

#articleRelated { display: none !important; } On the strength of a Ben Hollingsworth golden goal at nine-minute mark in overtime, the second-seeded College of Charleston defeated number four Davidson, 1-0 to win the 2004 Southern Conference Men's Soccer Championship Sunday afternoon at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island, SC.

The Cougars improve their mark to 16-5-1, while the Wildcats end their season at 11-10-1. The 16 wins is the most since the 1994 season when the team went 19-7.

The only goal of the game came off of a header on a free kick by the tournament MVP Ben Hollingsworth, teammate Jeremy Gold picked up the assist. With the win the Cougars picked up their first Southern Conference Championship and first NCAA tournament bid since 1996. Also the Cougars became the third team to ever win a Socon title in overtime. The last SoCon overtime win came in 1994 as Furman defeated Appalachian State, 4-2.

"Davidson controlled the first half and palyed their type of game," said Head Coach Ralph Lundy. "In the second half we were able to presse mor and play a little more aggressive. Wiggans had that great save at the end of the second and Hollingsworth came through again for us. He has had a tremendous tournament with three game-winners in three matches. Also, these 12 seniors have stuck by me and I am so happy for them."

Both teams had opportunities to win in the two scoreless halves. Late in the second half the Wildcats had a chance to put the game away as Wildcat defender Robby Hoak fired a point blank shot with 20 seconds left in regulation but was turned away by College of Charleston goalkeeper Keith Wiggans.

The College of Charleston will find out where it will play in the 2004 NCAA Men's Soccer Championships on Monday, November 15.

2004 Southern Conference Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team
Corey Lugger ?" Appalachian State
Carter Parrish ?" Appalachian State
D.J. McCurry ?" UNC Greensboro
Matt Smith ?" UNC Greensboro
Bart Creasman ?" Davidson
Joey Bass ?" Davidson
Ben Kittinger ?" Davidson
Troy Lesesne ?" College of Charleston
Keith Wiggans ?" College of Charleston
Drew Cavanaugh ?" College of Charleston
Ben Hollingsworth ?" College of Charleston

Tournament MVP, Ben Hollingsworth