University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
2-10-4, 1-3-3
Radford
4-10-2, 3-4-1
Behan and Herb score late to propel the Bulldogs over Radford, 2-1
10.29.2022 | Men's Soccer
RADFORD, Va. - Down a goal in the final moments of Saturday's match against Radford, the UNC Asheville men's soccer team made an incredible comeback to win their second game of the season.The Bulldogs stunned the Highlanders with a goal in the 79th minute by Conor Behan and a 90th minute penalty kick goal by Brendan Herb to take home the 2-1 victory.
"Words cannot express how proud we are of our boys today," said UNC Asheville Head Men's Soccer Coach Mick Giordano. "Every single one of them was mentally and physically present today. They overcame adversity but never quit. Our process and program is moving forward and today they were rewarded for everything they have given to the badge."Â
The Bulldogs came out swinging against Radford, putting pressure on the Highlander defenders for the majority of the first half. Asheville played one of its most dynamic offensive halves of the season, getting off eight shots with four shots on goal and managing a season-high seven corner kicks. Despite the many opportunities, the score remained tied, 0-0, at halftime.Â
Leading scorers Sam Presser and Sam Pitts-Eckersall had great scoring chances in the first half, each making multiple fast breaks shot attempts that were narrowly thwarted by the Radford goalkeeper. The pair ended up with nine shots and five shots on goal by the end of the match.
The Highlanders stepped up their attack early in the second half, putting up a flurry of shot attempts against the Asheville defense. Radford broke through in the 71st minute with a header by Jared Bubose to put the Highlanders up 1-0.
Down a goal, the Bulldogs continued to relentlessly press the Radford back line. Finally, senior David McIver tapped a ball to Behan right in front of the net leading to an easy turn-around shot that found the back of the net to tie the score, 1-1.Â
Asheville continued to pressure into the final minute of the match, Herb was tackled in the penalty box and awarded a penalty kick. Herb buried the shot and with so little time left on the clock, Radford was unable to score.Â🎯BANG🎯 CONOR BEHAN!! He ties the match at 1-1 with 10 minutes remaining!#ALLinAVL pic.twitter.com/4EZJDclFYO
— Asheville Men's Soccer (@UNCAvlMSoccer) October 29, 2022
BANG!!🎯BANG!!🎯 BRENDAN HERB!! He knocks in the GAME WINNING penalty kick with 55 seconds left in the match!!#ALLinAVL pic.twitter.com/IBjGn1LQNY
— Asheville Men's Soccer (@UNCAvlMSoccer) October 29, 2022
"Players, assistants and everyone involved today were tremendous," Giordano added. "All the small details, the drive and determination were unmatched. Now we take this energy and press forward finishing this season strong. It was tremendous to take points on the road and first road in a while. In college soccer, wins on the road are the hardest part so we hope this can turn into a habit and keep striving for more in the future."
The Bulldogs, now with a record of 2-10-4 and a Big South record of 1-3-3, will play their season finale against USC Upstate next Wednesday back in Asheville in a match scheduled for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
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Team Stats
Jared Dubose (5)
Assisted By: Greg Harris
GOAL by RAD Dubose, Jared Assist by Harris, Greg.
70:35
Conor Behan (2)
Assisted By: Brendan Herb , David McIver
GOAL by ASH Behan, Conor Assist by Herb, Brendan and McIver, David.
78:39
Brendan Herb (2)
ASH Brendan Herb PENALTY KICK GOAL.
89:05
