BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – In a match that was hard-fought until the very end, the Radford men's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon at Greene-Harbison Stadium. With the win, the Highlanders remain in fourth place in the Big South Conference standings, holding firm to the final tournament spot with one game left to play.

"This was a hard-earned point which keeps us alive for a top-four finish and a birth in the Big South conference tournament at the end of the season," said Radford head coach Chris Barrett. "Gardner Webb are a very good team. But once again our guys battled hard and stopped believing in themselves. We came back in the second half, played really well, and scored a really nice goal. Our guys continue to put the work in and it is great to see them get the benefits of a really tough result on the road. We must now shift our attention to a vital game versus UNC Asheville at home next Saturday which will put us in position for a top four finish if we win the game."

The lone goal for the Highlanders (4-8-2, 3-3-1 Big South) came in the 67th minute. On the attack, midfielder Samuel Schwarz played a cross from just outside the 18-yard box. The ball trickled in front of the goal, and Jan Maldonado was there to clean it up, as he shot a one-timer with the left foot that found the back of the net. It was Maldonado's first goal of the season, and his first as a Highlander.

On a day in which the visitors were outshout 20-7, Radford did just about everything necessary to secure the win. Goalkeeper Joseba Incera made nine saves, including one in the final minute on a strike from 50 feet out that helped keep the game in a 1-1 tie.

Gardner-Webb (6-4-3, 2-1-3) opened the scoring late in the first half, as Marcovich Brown scored a goal in the 42nd minute. The Bulldogs were led in shots by Jaylen Orr and Odal Brown, who had four apiece.

The Highlanders have one conference match remaining, as they play host to UNC Asheville on Sat., Oct. 29 for Senior Day. The game will have significant postseason implications, as the Highlanders can inch closer to securing a Big South Tournament berth. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.

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