CLINTON, S.C. – The Radford men's soccer team battled to a draw in their midweek contest against Presbyterian, 2-2, in the final game of the 2023 season.  

"I'm really proud of our effort tonight." said Head Coach Chris Barrett. "We played some really good soccer and scored a couple of really nice goals. I want to thank our seniors for all they've done for the program and wish them well." 

The first half of today's action saw the Highlanders in a defensive battle against the Blue Hose as both team's defenses dominated over the offenses. The Highlanders were able to get off four shots in the half but with two shots blocked and with two wide of the target, the Highlanders were unable find the angle to get a threatening attempt towards goal.

However, Alex Eydelman and the Highlanders defense, kept the Presbyterian attack at bay. Eydelman was able to accumulate three saves with a pair of those saves coming within the first five minutes of the contest and the third coming midway through the half keeping the Blue Hose out of the back of the net and head into the break with the scoreline at zero a piece.

Defense seemed like it would continue reign once again with no real chances at goal early in the second half but, that would soon change as in the 58th minute. Shady Hammam would rip a shot just outside the 18-yard box that would force the Blue Hose keeper to make the save to keep out a shot that looked it was destined to end up in the back of the net. In the 64th minute the Highlanders were awarded with a corner taken by Mark Silva where he would connect with Hammam for header goal to open scoring and give the Highlanders the 1-0 lead.  

In the 76th minute the Blue Hose would respond with a goal of their own after an unlucky bounce in the penalty area would allow Presbyterian's Thomas White to net the tap in and tie the game up 1-1. Highlanders would once more regain the lead after a pinpoint cross in by James Barrett that would allow Jared Dubose to head one into the bottom left of goal to make the scoreline 2-1. 

The Blue Hose would once again tie up today's competition after a pass in the box where Presbyterian's Damorney Hutchinson would muscle off a Highlander defender and place a shot into the net that would be out of reach for keeper Eydelman. The Blue Hose attack in a attempt to find the late game winner came towards keeper Eydelman with another threatening chance immediately after scoring the equalizer but Eydelman stood his ground and made one more crucial save to keep tonight's score at 2-2 and conclude the matchup as a draw for the Highlanders to wrap up the 2023 season.

KEY STATS     

• The Highlanders got off eight shots in today's contest, Shady Hammam leading the way with two shots of his own. 

• Jared Dubose scores his third goal of the season. 

• Shady Hammam scores first goal of the season and his first career goal as a Highlander. 

    
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