In a tightly contested match, the Lee University men’s soccer team fell 2-0 to Bluefield College (Va.) in a semifinal of the NCCAA Mid-East Region Tournament at Mississippi College’s Robert P. Longabaugh Field. The Flames end the 2014 campaign with an overall record of 8-9-2.
Nearly 80 minutes had been played before either side was able to break the 0-0 tie. Benjy Slator put Bluefield ahead with 11:02 left on the second-half clock. Michael Callaghan was credited with the assist. Slator would add a second goal from an assist by Dean Johnson with three seconds left.
The Flames outshot Bluefield 23-16 with 17 of the Lee shots coming in the final 45 minutes. The Flames and Rams each put six shots on frame. Lee was awarded eight corner kicks, while Bluefield took three.
Arturo Rocha led the Lee offense with two shots on goal. Justin Furey, David Perez, Jonathan Finlay and Matt Brady each challenged the Bluefield keeper.
“Bottom line is we have to score goals,” said Lee head coach Paul Furey. “It doesn't matter if you out play or out possess a team. We had a couple of great chances to equalize and their keeper came up with some big saves. It was a very tough pill to swallow. Our two seniors played with so much heart and I feel for them. I thought Justin (Furey) played a great game and he almost had the equalizer, but the keeper made an incredible save.”
Oscar Hernandez came up with six saves to record the win for the Rams. Joey Hinshaw tallied four saves in the loss.