ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville scored to tie the game at one apiece in the 87^th minute and forced overtime, but the Radford Men's Soccer team prevailed, 2-1, thanks to a brace and the golden goal by junior midfielder Ryan Machado-Jones on Wednesday afternoon.

"I couldn't be more proud of this team today. We won because of our collective Highlander spirit of heart, guts, and desire," said Head Coach Chris Barrett. "We faced adversity from many different aspects from a game-time change, to terrible playing conditions, to giving up a late goal, but the true character of this team came out today and we found a way to win a really important conference game on the road."
 
Originally scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at Greenwood Field, a torrential downpour of rain forced the game to be moved up to 2 p.m. and over to a nearby turf field. 
 
The Highlanders were the first team to overcome the elements, taking a 1-0 lead in the 31^st minute on a goal from Ryan Machado-Jones. His shot was fired low and towards the bottom right corner of the net, rolling right past the diving keeper.
 
Radford's defense played at a high level all game, holding the Bulldogs in check while avoiding a single yellow card. Unfortunately, it only takes one slip up to give up a goal and that's what happened when UNCA's Myles Edmondson broke through for an equalizer just before the end of regulation.
 
Then, in their first overtime match since March 11, 2020 also against UNC Asheville, the Highlanders managed to dig down deep and produce the game-winning goal. Solomon Clark spun a free kick into the box and Machado-Jones got a head to it, redirecting the ball into the back of the net to launch the team into a well-deserved celebration.

"If we can play with this amount of heart and sacrifice for each other, I believe we can have a successful conference season going forward," added Coach Barrett.
 
Radford improves to 3-6 overall and 1-1 in Big South play.
 
KEYS STATS

• Joseba Incera made six saves on the day, bringing his season total to 41. He has now made at least six saves in five consecutive games
• Quincy Etienne, Max-Emilios Angelides, Solomon Clark, Joseba Incera, and Ryan Machado-Jones each played all 97 minutes
• Freshman forward Yoshiya Okawa once again led the team in shot attempts, this time getting off three

 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return home to Cupp Stadium for a Saturday doubleheader alongside the women's soccer team. Men's soccer takes on USC Upstate at 4 p.m. and women's soccer plays Winthrop at 7 p.m. with both games streamed live on ESPN+.
 
FOLLOW RADFORD MEN'S SOCCER
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