Blades’ 89th Minute Strike Lifts Men’s Soccer Over Eagles on Senior Day

Saturday, October 6

Davidson, N.C.

7:00 p.m.

Davidson College

5-5-1, 1-2-0SoCon

Georgia Southern

2-9-0, 0-1-0SoCon

Georgia Southern

Davidson

Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com

Blades’ 89th Minute Strike Lifts Men’s Soccer Over Eagles on Senior Day

10/6/2012 9:21:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Game Highlights
Find Your Favorite Wildcat Action Shot at DavidsonPhotos.com

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Luke Blades curled a free kick in from just outside the box in the 89th minute to lift Davidson over Georgia Southern, 2-1, in Southern Conference men's soccer action on Homecoming Saturday at Alumni Stadium.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game since it was conference and because our rhythm and confidence had been off recently," said Wildcat head coach Matt Spear. "I'm real proud of how the guys came out in the second half with better passing and more proactive play."

With time ticking down in regulation, the Wildcats earned a free kick on the far side after an Eagle foul. Blades lined up and drilled a bending ball into the box. The Eagles' keeper came out to punch it away and instead it went through his hands and slipped into the left corner of the net for the game-winner.

David Vargas Masis put Georgia Southern (2-9-0, 0-1-0 SoCon) on the board midway through the opening half with a lofted shot that curled just over the head of Wildcat keeper Matt Pacifici and inside the far post. Drew Ruggles set up Masis' 27th minute goal and second of the season.

Davidson (5-5-1, 1-2-0 SoCon) ended a 327-minute scoreless drought and tied the game on Ryan Malden's first career strike, a header off a Peter Paras corner kick.

"That was a big-time first career goal for Ryan off a perfect delivery from Peter," said Spear.

Both teams finished with 13 shots, while Georgia Southern held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

Prior to the contest, seniors Andrew DiLallo, Brian McGue and Paras were honored for their contributions both on and off the field.

In addition to “Senior Day” festivities, the 1992 Final Four team was recognized and presented their College Cup rings at halftime.

"I'm super pumped that we won for our three seniors, and also for the 1992 Final Four team that was in attendance. I'm sure they had fun seeing the team triumph and celebrate."

Davidson will conclude its regular season with six-straight contests on the road, including dates at North Carolina (10/9) and Duke (10/23).