BOX SCORE |
RADFORD, Va. - The Radford men's soccer team closed out its regular season with a Senior Day shutout of UNC Asheville, 2-0, Saturday at Cupp Stadium. With the victory, the Highlanders secure the No. 5 seed in next week's Big South Tournament.
RU dominated the game posting a 31-7 advantage in total shots. The Highlanders put 16 of those on goal compared to just two for the Bulldogs. Both scoring chances for UNCA, however, were point blank shots that Dane Wilson turned away. Wilson earned his sixth career shutout in his final appearance at Cupp Stadium.
Dario Redondo opened the scoring in the 30th minute when he gained control of a loose ball in front of the Bulldog net and buried his first goal of the season. Bismark Amofah was credited with the assist on the play that gave the Highlanders the 1-0 lead they would carry into halftime.
Radford kept the offensive pressure on the UNCA defense in the second half as well. It was that offensive pressure in the 48th minute that led to RU's second goal. Joe Mayer put a point blank shot on Bulldog keeper, Dan Jackson and the rebound was knocked into the goal by a UNCA defender for an own goal. Jackson replaced UNCA's starting netminder, Zak Davis, at the half.
The Highlanders remained in control throughout the remainder of the match. RU peppered Jackson for the entirety of the last 45 minutes and forced him to make 10 saves.
Radford head coach Marc Reeves liked his team's perfomance in its final home game of the season.
"I thought this was another solid performance where we created a ton of chances and limited our opponent to very little. I am pleased for our seniors to get this final regular season win at home, and now we must use every minute possible to try and extend our season as far as possible."
Prior to the game, the Highlanders recognized seven seniors (Dane Wilson, Bernardo Ulmo, James Jordan, Vittorio Lauretano, Joe Mayer, Luis Grande, and Matt Janssen) for their dedication and commitment to the program, and Reeves again thanked the seniors and their families.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only the players of this class, but also their families for their fantastic support from both near and far. They have been fantastic in so many ways in helping us really boost this program over the last four seasons. Thank you seniors and families."
Radford will begin play Tuesday in the Big South Tournament quarterfinals at No. 4 Gardner-Webb. Kick is set for 6:00 p.m.
BIG SOUTH TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Nov. 12 (at Highest Seeds)
Game 1: #4 Gardner-Webb vs. #5 Radford,
6:00pm
Game 2: #1 Coastal Carolina vs. #8 Winthrop,
6:00pm
Game 3: #2 High Point vs. #7 Liberty,
8:00pm
Game 4: #3 Longwood vs. #6 Campbell,
6:00pm
Â
Friday, Nov. 15 (Bryan Park, Greensboro, N.C.)
Game 5: winner game 1 vs. winner game 2,
4:00pm
Game 6: winner game 3 vs. winner game 4,
7:00pm
Â
Sunday, Nov. 17 (Bryan Park, Greensboro, N.C.)
Game 7: winner game 5 vs. winner game 6,
2:00pm
