Davidson Falls to Cross-County Rival, 5-1

Saturday, September 15

Charlotte, N.C.

7:00

Davidson College Athletics

1-5-0

at Charlotte

3-2-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Davidson	0	1	1
Charlotte	3	2	5

9/15/2007 7:59:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Joey Beeler -- Assistant SID

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Robby Hoak netted his second goal of the season in the 80th minute, but it wasn't enough as Davidson fell to cross-county rival Charlotte 5-1 in men's soccer action Saturday evening at Transamerica Field. The setback drops the Wildcats to 1-4-0 on the campaign, while the 49ers improve to 3-2-0.

Davidson had a pair of great scoring chances early in the contest, but Wildcat forwards Hoak and Machel Turner were unable to capitalize on their wide open looks.

“I thought we started the game very well," commented Davidson head coach Matt Spear. “We were in control and created a number of opportunities, we just couldn't convert.”

Charlotte put the first mark on the board with a Luke Exley penalty kick as a result of a Whitey Bolan red card issued in front of the Wildcat goal for a hand ball.

Just two minutes after the Wildcats were forced to play a man down, Tom Woollard stretched the 49ers' lead to 2-0 with his first strike of the season. Both Will Shull and Chris Salvaggione assisted the 39th minute score.

“Charlotte deserves a lot of credit, it's a big win for them. They made the most of a crazy game,” said Spear.

After setting up the game's second score, Salvaggione rounded out the scoring in the first half 56 seconds later with an unassisted goal, allowing the 49ers to enter the break leading 3-0.

At the 59 minute mark, Davidson's Tom Lavan was assessed the club's second red card for a dangerous sliding tackle, forcing the 'Cats to play two men down for the remainder of the contest.

"We were on the wrong end of some difficult, questionable referee decisions tonight. Clearly these calls completely changed the complexion of the game. I like our chance in this match a lot more if it's 11 vs 11.
But it's part of the game, and part of the adversity we are facing in this young season," remarked Coach Spear.

Charlotte coach Jeremy Gunn echoed, "It was unfortunate that Davidson lost players."

The 49ers immediately took advantage of the the situation as midfielder Kent Long put away Andres Cuero feed at the 62:27 mark.

Despite finishing with just nine players and having a limited roster (four reserves) the entire evening, Hoak added the Wildcats only score and the 16th of his career with a blast from 20 yards out off a free kick.

Kevin Fox recorded the game's final tally in the 86th minute.

“We showed more fight under adversity than we have all year. I'm proud of how hard our guys played for each other.”

Charlotte finished with a 20-12 advantage in shots. Both starting keepers turned away seven shots, while Wildcat freshman Matt McElroy stopped three in his collegiate debut.

Davidson returns to action Friday in the opening round of the 2007 Stanford Tournament in Palo Alto, Calif. The 49ers will continue their homestand with a 7 p.m. kickoff against in-state foe UNC Greensboro Wednesday.