University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
1-0-0, 1-0-0
Longwood
0-1-0, 0-1-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longwood | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| UNC Asheville | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Men’s soccer opens up spring season with strong 2-1 victory over Longwood
02.21.2021 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – For the first time in 472 days, the UNC Asheville men's soccer team had an official game, opening its spring 2021 season with a 2-1 victory at Greenwood Field on Sunday afternoon.
"The staff and I are beyond delighted for our guys as they have truly worked so hard to start off on a positive note," said head coach Mick Giordano. "We have some things to fix, of course, but so many positives from today."
The Bulldogs got their first goal of the season courtesy of Conor Behan, picking up the second on a Longwood own goal. The Lancers made it interesting, pulling one back in the 74th minute via a free kick from Josh Fordyce but could not overcome the two-goal deficit. The win marks the first time since 2015 that Asheville has opened the season with a victory.
Asheville outshot Longwood 7-4, with a 3-2 advantage in the shots on goal department. The Bulldogs controlled possession for much of the afternoon, getting five corner kick opportunities. In net, freshman Leon Musial had a solid collegiate debut, turning away a key shot and cutting down multiple scoring opportunities in the box.
It was the Lancers who threatened first with a shot by Eli Carr in 14th minute, following that up with Ander Extaniz's shot on frame that was gathered up by Musial. The Bulldogs responded with a corner and a pair of chances from Behan, but went into the break scoreless.
It didn't take long into the second before Asheville would strike, as Miles Peay gathered the ball and played it to Behan who finished to make the score 1-0 in the 53rd minute. Just six minutes later, the Bulldog pressure forced a mistake from Longwood which would turn into an own goal to make the score 2-0.
After the teams traded opportunities, Fordyce would capitalize on a free-kick chance, curling in a shot from outside the 18 to cut the lead in half. The waning moments of the game proved to be tense, as the Lancers had two corner kicks in the last minute of play, but Asheville was able to clear the ball and grab the 2-1 victory.
"Getting to play a competitive match against a talented Longwood team on Greenwood Field is a one-of-a kind feeling," said Giordano. "We will certainly enjoy the winning bug that is going around UNC Asheville Athletics, but it's back to work tomorrow as we focus on Winthrop."
The Bulldogs, who will only play Big South competition in this shortened spring season, return to the pitch next Sunday (February 28) when they host Winthrop for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff.
"Lastly, I just want to thank every single person that made today happen," Giordano said. "Without our wonderful administration and staff, this wouldn't have been possible."
Team Stats
Conor Behan (1)
Assisted By: Miles Peay
GOAL by AVL Behan, Conor Assist by Peay, Miles.
52:18
0
GOAL by AVL TEAM.
58:32
Josh Fordyce (1)
GOAL by LWU Fordyce, Josh.
73:26
