Clayton State men come up short in 3-2 defeat against Alabama-Huntsville

October 27, 2011

MORROW, Ga. – October 26, 2011 – The breaks have not been in the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team’s favor over the last couple of weeks, and that trend continued on Wednesday night.

The Lakers again could not capitalize on key scoring opportunities and came up short in a 3-2 defeat against visiting Alabama-Huntsville at Laker Field. The defeat dropped the Lakers to 8-7 overall, and it spoiled the final home game at Laker Field for nine Clayton State seniors. Alabama-Huntsville, meanwhile, improved to 10-4 overall.

The Lakers cashed in on an early opportunity as senior Jonathan Ray scored his third goal of the season on a header off a left cross from fellow senior Matty Phillips in the fourth minute. Clayton State held the 1-0 lead until the 32nd minute when the Chargers got the equalizer on a goal by Felix Hjalmarsson off a left cross by Mitchell Wilson.

Clayton State was continually thwarted by some big saves by Alabama-Huntsville goalkeeper Kel Markert in the second half. He recorded five saves on what appeared to be sure goals by the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Chargers capitalized twice as Kyle Simmons scored twice.

The first was in the 63rd minute when Simmons scored down the left wing off an assist by Oscar Leon. 14 minutes later, Simmons struck again when he took the ball down the right wing for the goal and a 3-1 Alabama-Huntsville.

Clayton State finally broke through in the 87th minute when senior Ryan Pugh scored from the top of the penalty box off an assist by Kenny Mena. The Lakers out-shot Alabama-Huntsville 21-14.

Clayton State concludes the regular season on Saturday with a 7:30 p.m. Peach Belt Conference matchup at USC Aiken.

—CSU—