RICHARD BLAND WEATHERS STORM WITH WIN IN THEIR INAUGURAL SEASON IN MEN’S SOCCER
Virginia Beach, VA, August 31, 2013– The Richard Bland College Statesman have been waiting for over nine months to start their athletics program, and the men's soccer program claimed the first victory in heroic like fashion. The host Storm of Tidewater Community College came into the match with a record of 0-2, however, gained experience from scrimmages and two regular season contests. The Statesman came into the game and competed without the luxury of having any outside competition prior to the match.
The Storm opened the match by scoring early with a goal by Michael Cagle at the 74th minute of the match to give TCC the early 1-0 lead. The Storm continued to put on the pressure by adding another goal by Kevin Piselli in the 50th minute lifting the Storm to a 2-0 lead at intermission. The Statesman responded with a goal, scored by Marcus Carter with an assist from Diego Ona-Rodriguez at the 53rd minute of the game. The Storm countered with a score seven minutes later to push their lead to 3-1 on a goal by Ian Craig. The Statesman continued to fight through the adversity with only a 12 man roster for their opening match. Richard Bland was determined to finish strong with the clock winding down inside the five minute mark; with four minutes remaining the Statesman scored their second goal of the match (Motez Radwan assisted by Dominique Dessaso) followed by the equalizer to tie the match 3-3 (Carleton Anderson assisted by Dessaso). The two teams battled for the remaining minutes forcing the game into two 10 minute golden-goal overtime periods. With one minute remaining in the first overtime period, Marcus Carter scored the game winner off of a free kick to seal the win for the Statesman.
Richard Bland will take their 1-0 record on the road against Patrick Henry Community College on Wednesday September 4, 2013. They will host the first home match of the season on Saturday September 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm versus Spartanburg Methodist College.