College of Charleston
Delaware
M. Soccer Draws with Delaware on Senior Night
10/26/2014 3:32:00 AM | Men's Soccer
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – The College of Charleston men's soccer team battled Delaware to a 2-2, 110-minute draw in Colonial Athletic Association play as the Cougars celebrated Senior Night in front of a rapturous home crowd at Patriots Point on Saturday night.
The Cougars (2-9-3, 0-4-2 CAA) ventured beyond regulation for the third time in their last four matches in a thrilling, back-and-forth match against a Delaware team which was ranked or receiving votes in the NSCAA Coaches Poll every week of the 2014 season until the most recent release, peaking at No. 11 in the country in mid-September.
“My players played hard for the whole 110 minutes,” said head coach Ralph Lundy. “They gave everything, and again I'm disappointed because I think they deserved a better result for their effort and the game we played. It was a game of excitement, that's for sure, with its ups and downs, our chances to win, and our guys giving so much.
“I'm really disappointed for them. This is the way a lot of the season has gone, especially here at home. The guys have played their ears off, but that's the way the ball has bounced for us this year. It's tough; I feel for the guys because of what they gave tonight. Delaware is a quality team, but I thought we were better tonight and deserved a win.”
Seniors Tanner Clay and Troy Peterson celebrated their Senior Night in style, with Clay setting up Peterson for an equalizing goal which forced the match into overtime. Fellow senior Daan Brinkman was also honored on Senior Night, but unable to play due to a nagging shoulder injury. Seeing the Dutchman off the pitch is an unfamiliar sight for Cougar fans, as he has averaged over 89 minutes per game in 65 career appearances as a Cougar.
After a scoreless first period, Charleston ignited the crowd with a goal just-under four minutes into the second period. Freshman Khalil "T.K." Abderahman played a corner kick to the far post where it was redirected by Leland Archer, and Trent Rieflin headed the second ball into the back of the net for the first goal of his career.
The euphoria was fleeting, however, as Delaware netted back-to-back goals in the 67th and 69th minutes to temporarily deflate the crowd.
Suddenly trailing 2-1, the Cougars persisted, and wouldn't have to wait long as the seniors fittingly provided the heroics in the 75th minute, with Clay playing a short pass into open space for Peterson who connected from 30 yards out.
The remainder of regulation was tense, as were the two overtime periods, with both teams creating chances and the Cougars suffering several near-misses. On three separate occasions, Blue Hen defenders managed to clear the ball off their goal line despite the Cougars beating DU goalkeeper Borja Barbero.
Another occasion saw an Adan Noel attempt clang off the post and directly into the arms of Barbero who was sprawling to get back in position.
Though the point improves Delaware's CAA standing, the non-win paired with a William and Mary victory over Northeastern eliminates the Cougars from postseason contention. W&M became the sixth team to eclipse nine points in the standings, and with only two matches remaining, CofC's ceiling is eight points.
The Cougars stay home for a midweek CAA clash with Elon on Wednesday night as the Cougars and Phoenix renew their long-time rivalry at 7 p.m. at Patriots Point. Charleston wraps the regular season at Hofstra on Saturday, Nov. 1.
