BOX SCORE
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Radford men's soccer team dropped an extremely physical match to Gardner-Webb, 2-1, at Greene-Harbison Stadium on Wednesday night.
Gardner-Webb (2-6-1, 2-1 Big South) got the scoring started in the 29th minute. Magnus Moldjord pushed the ball up the left flank and sent a low, driven cross into the box where Oskar Wang was waiting to hit a side-footed shot into the back of the net.
The Highlanders (2-6, 1-2 Big South) found their answer quickly, however, as redshirt senior forward Kieran Roberts scored on a free kick just four minutes later in the 33rd minute. Senior midfielder Gonzalo Rodriguez was fouled just outside of the 18-yard box to earn a free kick in a dangerous spot and without hesitation, Roberts curled it into the side netting for his fourth goal of the season.
With the final result looking like it could go either way by halftime, the game had a completely different complexion over the final 45 minutes. Gardner-Webb scored the go-ahead goal off the foot of Wang in the 49th minute and from there neither side produced many chances amonst the chorus of foul calls.
Eight yellow cards were issued in the second half alone, including six to the Runnin' Bulldogs, but it was the Highlanders who received a red card. Redshirt senior midfielder Michael Walsh was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute following a dangerous tackle in the eyes of the head referee.
In total, there were 10 yellow cards and 37 fouls called as both teams battled for an ever-important Big South win.
ROBERTS' THREE-GAME GOAL STREAK
Roberts has now scored at least one goal in three straight games including two goals at Longwood on Sept. 29. The last time he recorded a run like this was from Sept. 16, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2017 when he tallied an astonishing seven goals across four games.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Radford led the Runnin' Bulldogs in most statistical categories including shots (12-to-9), shots on goal (6-to-5) and corner kicks (7-to-3).
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
UP NEXT
With their latest road swing finally concluded, the Highlanders welcome Presbyterian to Cupp Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 6 for a 6 p.m. contest. The game is free of admission.
FOLLOW MEN'S SOCCER
For more information on the Radford men's soccer team visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordMSoccer on Twitter, 'radfordmsoccer' Instagram or Radford Men's Soccer on Facebook.
