Team gives #1 Conference team a battle in 1-2 loss
October 20, 2007
PORTLAND , Ore. - The Concordia University (28th NAIA) mens soccer team scored early and scored late to secure a 2-1 win over Evergreen on a muddy field at The Yard on Oct. 20.
Tied at one late in the second period, the Cavaliers forced an attack with Scott Bernards taking a shot at the Geoduck defense at the 79:19 mark in the game. With the shot blocked back by an Evergreen defender, sophomore Kossivi Alopovi found the loose ball and fired from eight yards out for the game-winning score.
With the loss, Evergreen fell to 5-10-1 with a 4-7-1 mark in the CCC. Concordia moved to 13-3-0 overall and 11-1-0 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. The result guarantees the Cavs a share of the conference crown with two games to go and a two-game lead over Warner Pacific.
Joey Graham kick started the Cavaliers with a 5th-minute goal from 14 yards out after receiving the ball from Alex Ponce. The Geoducks played strong to keep the Cavs from scoring for the next 75 minutes despite Concordia launching 27 total shots in the game.
Shawn Farrow balanced the score in the 64th minute after a deep cross by teammate Steven Sharp, providing an opening for a low 10-yard shot that reached the back of the net. It was the 8th goal of the seaon for Farrow.
If you study Evergreen, you see they have become a tough team to play against, Birkey said. They showed well today by being organized and determined, but I was very impressed with our guys and the way they settled down in the conditions.
Garrett Staples earned the win while in goal for the Cavaliers, improving his season record to 12-3-0. Matt Stalnik tallied 10 saves in net for the Geoducks.
Evergreen will host Northwest Christian College on Friday at 4 PM.