MARSHALL GETS GOLDEN GOAL, 1-0 OVERTIME WIN OVER MEN'S SOCCER

BOX SCORE RADFORD, Va. – Radford's fourth overtime game this season was ended when Jack Hopkins' golden goal in the 98th minute broke a scoreless draw and led Marshall to a 1-0 win over the Highlanders on Sunday afternoon.

An evenly-played match throughout ended on Hopkins' goal – he took a pass at midfield from Matt Freeman on the far side of the field, dribbled to the top of the penalty area and slipped past a Radford defender to score and keep the Thundering Herd (6-0-1) unbeaten in 2012.

The Highlanders (2-2-1) played their third consecutive overtime match, dropping their second extra-time effort.

“They were an undefeated team for a reason,” head coach Marc Reeves said. “We did a good job I thought today of possessing the ball, creating some chances and being evenly matched with them. It was just unfortunate to have a mistake late in the game in back that turns into a goal.”

Marshall outshot Radford 17-10, but possession and set opportunities were even throughout.

Neither team had a quality scoring opportunity in the opening 45 minutes – in the 48th minute, Marshall had its first chance to score when a shot was blocked in the penalty box and came out to Peter Bulat, who ripped a shot from 15 yards out at the right post, but Ryan Taylor was squared to the shooter and made the save.

A minute later the Highlanders had their best chance to score, when a corner kick found Matt Janssen on the back post – Janssen struck the ball cleanly with his head, but missed just high and sent the shot over the crossbar. After that try, Radford had three shots in 10 minutes, but couldn't break through.

Taylor made four saves in the loss for Radford, while Daniel Withrow had two saves in the shutout.

Radford opens Big South play next Saturday (Sept. 22) at home against Campbell at 6 p.m.

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