Richard Bland Drops Close Match To Spartanburg Methodist 2-1
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spartanburg Methodist (1-0-0, 1-0-0) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
|
Richard Bland College (1-1-0, 1-1-0) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Freshman Eduardo Pessoa/Rio de Janeiro, Brazil scored a late goal, though Richard Bland College dropped a 2-1 decision to Spartanburg Methodist College on Sunday afternoon at Statesman Field. Classmate Finn Busse/Kiel, Germany added an assist for the host Statesmen (1-1) against the visiting Pioneers (1-0) in Region X Conference action. RBC will remain at home to host Frederick (Md.) Community College on Wednesday afternoon, August 31, at 4 p.m. at Statesman Field.
"Obviously, it's tough to lose at home," said third-year head coach Eduardo de Souza. "We played against a team that we knew was going to be direct and strong. We moved the ball better when we started to figure out our game and was a better team. It was late today, down 2-0, but we came back strong and didn't give up. It's a learning curve for us with 17 new players. We hope to be stronger on Wednesday and next weekend and get back on track."
Spartanburg Methodist took a quick 1-0 advantage with a goal by Justis Enlow just 3:43 into the match, contested on another hot and humid afternoon with temperatures in the 90's. It remained 1-0 at the intermission with the Pioneers controlling much of the physical action during the opening 45 minutes.
SMC made it a 2-0 margin about midway through the second half with a goal from Eduardo Lewis at 71:41.
Richard Bland continued battling as the match wore on and Pessoa finally put the Statesmen on the board in the final minute at 89:17. Busse was credited with the assist on the play in traffic inside the box. RBC tried to gain the equalizer in the final seconds of the contest, but was unable to find the back of the net before time expired.
Freshman keeper Justin Ennis/Gainesville started in front of the net for the Statesmen, playing 90 minutes while making three saves and allowing the two goals.
Spartanburg Methodist took a narrow 7-6 advantage in shots against Richard Bland, including 5-3 in attempts on goal. The Pioneers also had a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.