HIGHLANDERS SUFFER HEARTBREAKING LOSS TO COASTAL IN SEMIFINALS

BOX SCORE GREENSBORO, N.C. - Radford saw a 2-0 second half lead evaporate into a Coastal Carolina comeback 3-2 win in the semifinals of the Big South Tournament at Bryan Park. The No. 22-ranked Chanticleers rallied for three scores in the final 32 minutes of the game after RU took a two-goal lead just 35 seconds into the second half.

After Joe Mayer was taken down inside the box in the 33rd minute of the first half, Bernardo Ulmo converted the penalty kick to give Radford a 1-0 lead that it would take into the intermission.

The Radford defense met every challenge from the nationally-ranked and top-seeded Chanticleers despite being outshot 13-5 in total shots in the first 45 minutes.

And it was Mayer on an assist from Luis Grande who gave the Highlanders a 2-0 lead barely seconds into the final period.

But in the end, it was Coastal's attacking style that took hold and eventually came back to post the 3-2 victory.

Pedro Ribeiro cut the lead in half with an assist from Agust Arnarson in the 58th minute, and then CCU tied it in the 73rd on a goal by Sergio Camargo. He was assisted by Shawn McLaws.

The deciding goal for the Chanticleers came in the 82nd minute and left the Highlanders pushing for the final eight minutes to score an equalizer that never came. Arnarson scored the game-winner for Coastal from Kai Morton.

The loss ends Radford's season at 9-7-4.

Representing a heartbroken but proud team, head coach Marc Reeves said he was exceptionally proud of of his guys.

"I am devastated for our team and especially our seniors as we put a great deal into this game and came away with a tough loss. Coastal is an exceptionally talented attacking team and they made the most of key moments in the second half. I am proud of our preparation and effort and again just gutted that we could not find a way to win this one."

"I would like to thank my coaching staff and support personal for all their hard work this season.I again want to thank our seniors and their families for all they have done for this program. We have made major strides forward and now need other players to step up to maintain and push forward our program goals."

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