Saturday, September 10, 2005

SLACK'S OT GOAL LIFTS #15 SPARTANS PAST SAINTS 1-0

Spartanburg, S.C. - Liam Slack converted a three-on-one breakaway less than two minutes into the second overtime period to lift No. 15 USC Upstate to a 1-0 victory over visiting North Georgia Saturday night at County University Soccer Stadium.

With the win, USC Upstate improves to 5-1-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the Peach Belt Conference. The Spartans do not play again until Sept. 24 when Francis Marion comes to town. Playing in its first Peach Belt match, North Georgia falls to 1-2-1 overall and 0-1-0 in the league. The Saints host Reinhart Wednesday in Dahlonega.

USC Upstate goalkeeper Ryan Cooper may have been just as important as Slack with a pair of sensational saves late in regulation. Cooper blocked a shot with less than three minutes to play and the rebound was also pounded back at the junior from Miami, FL. He stooped that shot as
well as USC Upstate took the match into overtime. Cooper finished the match with five saves for his fourth shutout of the season.

After a scoreless first overtime period, Chris Baretta was played a ball down the right sideline. He chased the ball down and delivered a cross to Jorge Atehortua. Atehortua slid a quick pass to Slack near the left post and Slack put the shot away to give the Spartans the win.

USC Upstate edged North Georgia in shots, taking 14 shots to the Saints' 12. North Georgia's Vince Neal made eight saves, including two bullet shots off the foot of Spartan Nick Buxton, to keep the Saints even with USC Upstate throughout the match.

Box Score