Men's Soccer Wins A Thriller On Senior Night
The Longwood men's soccer team won a 3-2 thriller over George Washington on senior night.
Goals(Assists)
23' Jonas Kalchner (Leif VanSlyke, Eden Shachar)
50' Tiago Carvalhp (Tom Cooklin, Roee Tenne)
60' Jose Carlos (Ethan Stevenson)
68' Cameron Mathewson
73' Ethan Stevenson (Anthony Roland)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The atmosphere around the men's soccer senior night was special, and the beginning of the match personified it perfectly. In the 23rd minute Shachar found VanSlyke on the wing and the Lancers captain placed a perfect cross on the weak foot of Jonas Kalchner, and after 76 appearances, 6374 minutes (and counting), the fifth year senior sweetly redirected it for his first career goal in a Longwood uniform. The Lancers took a 1-0 lead into the half.
The Colonials responded quickly in the second half, tying the match in the 50th minute through a Carvalho strike. Not 10 minutes later Stevenson slotted Carlos through on goal and an unstoppable shot to the top right corner gave the Lancers back the lead.
George Washington would not go away quietly though, and Mathewson fired a shot that found the back of the net to tie it once again.
The late drama was not finished, as Anthony Roland put the ball in between a Colonial defender's legs in the final third, and a perfect cross that found the head of Stevenson gave the Lancers the late lead. A lead they would not let go of to clinch the non-conference victory.
WHAT THEY SAID:
"After however many games (76) scoring that goal meant a lot to me," said fifth-year senior Jonas Kalchner after his first career goal. "Obviously it's been a tough season but this result feels great"
"You can't ask for the night to go any better than it did tonight," said head coach Jon Atkinson after the dramatic win. "We have played so well in games and fell short countless occasions throughout the season, so to show the grit and fight still this late in the season shows the lads care for each other and the jersey they wear. It was especially gratifying to get the result for our seniors who have poured so much into the program and I'll remember each one fondly for what they have contributed and meant to me."
"100 wins in Division I is not to be sniffed at for sure," said Atkinson about how it felt to win his 100th match as head coach. "I'm certainly proud to represent this program and I never take for granted the trust placed in me to not only lead the program but to develop someone's son."
I'm thankful to my staff, Sean, Elliott and Amanda who have all helped and contributed massively," further commented Atkinson. "While results may not be a true reflection of the growth we have achieved, trust me we have made major strides in our style and structure which bodes well for the future. I'm optimistic with our new leadership we can see bigger things from our program. I would love the program to get another 100 wins but in half the time!"
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
With tonight's victory, Atkinson claimed his 100th win as head coach of the Lancers.
Seniors Anthony Roland and Jonas Kalchner both claimed their first career point as a Lancer.
Longwood recorded 11 shots with four being on frame.
Senior Jeff Gates recorded seven saves in net.
Original source can be found here
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