RADFORD, Va. – The Radford men's soccer team played its third straight overtime contest Saturday afternoon, but Laurits Lillemose scored the match-winner in the 97th minute to send visiting Gardner-Webb past the Highlanders at Cupp Stadium.
The Highlanders controlled most of the second half after getting level on
Mouhameth Thiam's second goal of the season, but the Runnin' Bulldogs had all the momentum in overtime, taking both shots of the period and, eventually, scoring the golden goal.
Radford was forced into an early hole after Gardner-Webb converted on a penalty kick just six minutes into the match, but the Highlanders settled in and had the only two shots on goal in the first half besides the PK.
The Highlanders broke through for the equalizer ten minutes into the second half, as Thiam beat his defended one-on-one and fired a curling shot past the outstretched arms of Gardner-Webb goalkeeper Daniel Husa and into the right side of the net for his second goal of the season and first in Big South play.
Radford enjoyed a six-shot advantage in the second half and had multiple chances to take the lead, but
Pape Oumar Gueye had a shot blocked and late chances by
Baptiste Fousse and Thiam went wide and high, respectively. The Runnin' Bulldogs also had a late chance but Highlander goalkeeper
Joseba Incera stopped Dylan Dominguez on a point-blank shot inside the box.
Gardner-Webb had both shots in overtime, as Laurits Lillemose had an early shot saved by Incera before beating the freshman goalkeeper on the short side, tucking the ball just inside the near post and into the left corner to win the game for the visitors.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Radford had a 16-13 advantage in shots, including an 11-5 advantage in second-half shots. The Highlanders also took seven corner kicks, all in the second half.
TWEET OF THE MATCH
TEAM LEADERS
Thiam led all players with five shots for Radford, while
Victor Valls was tied for second with three. Incera had a match-high four saves, the second-most in a game for him this season.
UP NEXT
The Highlanders begin a two-match road swing Wednesday at Presbyterian. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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