HIGHLANDERS ADVANCE TO FINALS IN PENALTY SHOOTOUT

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GREENSBORO, N.C. - Aitor Pouseu Blanco proved Friday why he was selected as All-Big South first team in goal this season. The rookie keeper made three outstanding saves in the overtime periods and then stopped two Winthrop (13-4-2) penalty kicks as Radford (12-4-3) advanced to its first Big South Tournament final since 2007 at Bryan Park. The teams battled to a 1-1 draw before RU won the shootout 4-1.

"Again, our spirit, resilience, and attitude helped us find a way to win and advance tonight," Radford head coach Marc Reeves said. "We created some great goal scoring chances that could have seen us further ahead or win in overtime, but Winthrop is a tough team, and we did not let the tying goal swing the momentum too much their way."

Radford took the lead minutes into the second half. Stephen Hudgens put back a rebounded shot by Dario Redondo for his team-high sixth goal of the season. Redondo earned the assist on the play in the 48th minute.

Winthrop responded to find the equalizer on a header by Charles Coulson in the 70th minute. The teams exchanged chances over the course of the final 20 minutes of regulation, but neither could score the game-winner.

Pouseu Blanco saved the Highlanders' season twice in the first overtime with diving denials and again for a third time in the second extra period. He saved his best for last, however, turning away Winthrop's first attempt in the shootout to give Radford the advantage. He then sealed the game when Nick Nova pushed his attempt wide trying to steer it around Pouseu Blanco.

Offensively in the shootout, Radford did not miss in four tries by Jamie Summers, Fraser Colmer, Jo Vetle Rimstad, and Chel Ho Park Kim.

"I am proud of this group," Reeves said. "We now need to push hard to perform well Sunday."

Radford will play Coastal Carolina, which defeated High Point 4-1 in the other semifinal, at Bryan Park on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#15 Stephen Hudgens: MF; 5' 11"; Senior

#8 Chel Ho Park Kim: MF; 5' 11"; Redshirt Senior

#1 Aitor Pouseu Blanco: GK; 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman

#10 Dario Redondo: MF/F; 5' 7"; Senior

#5 Jamie Summers: D; 5' 11"; Junior

#4 Jo Vetle Rimstad: D; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#33 Fraser Colmer: MF; 6' 0"; Freshman; Brookfield Community

Players Mentioned

#15 Stephen Hudgens
: 5' 11"; Senior
: MF

#8 Chel Ho Park Kim
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Senior
: MF

#1 Aitor Pouseu Blanco
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Freshman
: GK

#10 Dario Redondo
: 5' 7"; Senior
: MF/F

#5 Jamie Summers
: 5' 11"; Junior
: D

#4 Jo Vetle Rimstad
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: D

#33 Fraser Colmer
: 6' 0"; Freshman; Brookfield Community
: MF