A goal with three minutes left in double overtime by Kareem Yearwood was the difference, as the College of Charleston men’s soccer team defeated Jacksonville, 1-0 in double overtime on Thursday night. The match was part of the 2008 Saturn of Charleston/Nike Soccer Classic.
“This was a great win for us against a very good Jacksonville team,” said head coach Ralph Lundy. “The momentum in the match swung back and forth the entire match and everyone gave it their all the entire game. I’m especially happy Kareem got the game-winner for us, he needed it.”
In the first half, the Cougars had several scoring chances, but failed to convert on six shots. The Charleston defense held strong in the period, as Jacksonville had just one shot on goal the entire period.
In the second half, the tide turned, as Jacksonville out shot Charleston 6-2. Freshman goalie Clark Hankins proved to be the star of the period for the Cougars, as he made two saves, including a diving stop at the end of regulation.
After both teams failed to convert attempts in the first overtime, Yearwood finally converted on an attempt in the 106th minute of the match The shot was his fifth of the match.
The play was set up after a Charleston throw in was tipped by teammate Drew Fuzy into the path of the sprinting Yearwood. Fuzy was credited with an assist on the play, as Yearwood netted his third goal of the season.
In the first game of the Saturn of Charleston/Nike Soccer Classic, Stetson and Alabama A&M battled to a 2-2, double-overtime draw. The Hatters made a comeback in the match after falling behind 2-0 in the second period.
The Cougars will close out the Saturn of Charleston/Nike Soccer Classic on Saturday, Sept. 27 when they host Stetson at 3:30 p.m. at Patriots Point. In the first match of the day, Alabama A&M will play Jacksonville.