Richard Bland Battles USC Salkehatchie To 1-1 Tie In Double OT

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Freshman Eduardo Pessoa/Rio de Janeiro, Brazil scored his team-best seventh goal of the season as Richard Bland College battled to a 1-1 double-overtime tie in Region X Conference action against USC Salkehatchie on Sunday afternoon at Statesman Field. Sophomore Jeffrey Pineda/Los Angeles, Calif. and freshman Peter Diawuo/Alexandria each contributed an assist for the host Statesmen (5-4-1, 3-4-1 Region X) against the visiting Indians (3-6-1, 3-2-1 Region X).  Richard Bland will remain at home for its next three matches at Statesman Field, beginning with non-conference opponent Harcum (Pa.) College on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m. 

"Our team played very well today," said third-year head coach Eduardo de Souza.  "We dominated our opponent, having the ball for 80 percent of the match.  We created so many chances, but unfortunately for us, their keeper was the man of the match.  We need to correct some small problems and make sure we are ready for a tough game against Harcum on Wednesday."

The only scoring for the entire match took place during the opening 11 minutes … with USC Salkehatchie getting on the scoreboard first at 1:15 via a goal by Adolfo Aquilar, assisted by Deandre Johnson.

Richard Bland answered back with its goal at 10:36, scored by Pessoa in the box with a nice one-two assist from Diawuo and Pineda.  It was Pessoa's team-leading seventh goal, while team-best third assist for Pineda, and the second assist this fall for Diawuo.  The Statesmen continued controlling the first half against the Indians, finishing with an 8-2 advantage in shots during the first 45 minutes.

Richard Bland maintained control throughout the second half and both 10-minute extra periods, as well, taking a 10-0 advantage in shots after the intermission.  Unfortunately, the Statesmen were just not able to move the net over the final 65 minutes, while settling for the tie contest.

Freshman goalkeeper Tomas Fonseca/Torres Vedras, Portugal started and played the entire 110 minutes in front of the net for Richard Bland, making one save and yielding the lone opponent goal.  Indians' keeper Erick Guimaraes Cavalcante played the duration with 10 saves and one goal allowed.

Richard Bland finished with an 18-2 advantage in shots against USC Salkehatchie, including 11-2 in attempts on goal.  The Statesmen had an 11-1 edge in corner kicks.