Thursday, October 7, 2004

LATE GOAL HELPS SAINTS SCORE BIG ROAD WIN

CLEVELAND, TN - Coach Henry Moyo must feel like a general who won the battle but lost the war after his hard-fighting Lee University Flames were beaten by visiting North Georgia College and State University on Thursday night 3-2.

The Flames clearly dominated the offensive side of the field, taking 26 shots to only 13 for the Saints. However, the Dahlonega-based club proved to be more accurate with their shots. While the Flames had seven shots on target, so did the Saints in half the attempts.

"I knew it was going to be this type of game," said the disappointed Moyo. "I've never seen a North Georgia club that did not play extremely hard. However, my kids fought their hearts out and I thought we should have won the game."

North Georgia jumped on top at the 24:48 mark on an unassisted goal by Jeremy Bouasy. He slipped his shot past the outstretched body of Lee keeper Tuda Murphy.

The Flames fought right back and tied the game at the 27-minute mark. Chris Walker curled in a long shot from near midfield. He was assisted by David DeLotelle. The score remained 1-1 at halftime.

The ever present Bouasy blasted a shot past Lee's keeper at the 53:36 mark to put the Saints back on top 2-1. Rene Alvarez got the assist.

The Flames would not quit and came battling right back. Ben Stewart zipped his shot past Saint goalkeeper Vince Neal to tie the game again at 2-2 at the 67:21 mark. Joseph Connor and Walker were credited with the double assists.

With less than four minutes remaining, Ciro Pelliccia stuck a dagger deep into the heart of the Flames. He snuck a shot past Murphy and into the corner of the net. The score came after a sensational pass from Bouasy, a name the Flames will remember for many, manny days.

Lee had at least two solid attempts to tie the contest in the final three minutes but as Moyo said, "it apparently just wasn't meant to be."

The coach praised the effort of is entire team, especially senior captain Casey Magner. "He is certainly one of the best leaders any coach could ask for and just played a tremendous overall game."   

For the Saints, Neal had four saves in goal and Murphy also had four for the Flames.

Box Score