Senior defender Graham Tatters scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute |
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Charlotte Advances to Atlantic 10 Semifinals with 2-1 Win over Fordham
Nov. 15, 2007
Dayton, Ohio - Behind his second goal of the season, senior defender Graham Tatters led the Charlotte 49ers men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Fordham Thursday evening in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Tournament at the University of Dayton, marking the first-ever 49er win in the A-10 Tournament. Charlotte will take on No. 1 Saint Louis in the semifinals Friday evening.
"Despite the difficult conditions, with it being cold, windy and wet, the team played fantastic soccer and deserved the victory," head coach Jeremy Gunn said. "Late in the first half, we started taking control of the game and moving the ball well. Then, even when we seemed to lose the edge, the players remained composed and continued to pass and move the ball very well."
"It was all-around a great defensive and attacking performance."
Charlotte opened scoring late in the first half, as junior forward Chris Salvaggione found a streaking freshman forward Andres Cuero on the right side, who battled through two Fordham defenders, whipping the ball across the face of the goal. Freshman forward Will Shull proceeded to drive the ball into the far post in the 42nd minute, collecting his fourth goal of the season.
In the second half, Charlotte nearly scored again, as sophomore midfielder Luke Exley curled in a free kick but was called back for a foul.
Fordham evened the slate in the 62nd minute, as John Pardini sent a shot into the back of the net amidst a flurry in the goal box.
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Still, Charlotte answered to seal the victory in the 70th minute, as Tatters landed an assertive free kick from 40 yards out in the goal.
The 49ers enjoyed an 11-8 advantage in shots, while the defense allowed only three Fordham shots on goal.
"Overall, we played well today, which gives us confidence moving into tomorrow's match," Gunn said.
The victory is the first for Charlotte in the Atlantic 10 Tournament, as the 49ers had previously fallen to Duquesne and Dayton in the 2006 and 2005 conference tournaments, respectively.
