With a 2-8-2 season record and 1-3-0 standing in the Peach Belt Conference, the Clayton State Lakers season has not had great start. Although the start has been tough, the ending is sure to be better. There are only three more games in the regular season and the Lakers need a strong finish.
This past Tuesday, October 17th at Laker Field, the Lakers faced the Emmanuel College Lions (7-5-1). Going into the game the Lions were averaging 1.31 goals per-game and 15.7 shots per game and were 3-5 away from home. With optimisms of making the PBC tournament the Lakers were averaging 1.58 goals per game and 19 shots per game. Although the Lakers had the home field advantage, the Lions were the favorite to win.
The game Started with both teams making a drive on the offence. When the game clock hit 16:50, Emmanuel College scored their first goal. Senior midfielder Blair Springhall received an assist from Midfielder Channing Park who kicked a through ball right between Laker defenders, the ball then connected with Blair, he in return scored past the CSU goal keeper on the ride side.
With one goal in the books, the Lions were hoping to keep the momentum in their favor, but shortly after their first goal, the Lakers came back with their first opener of the game at the game clock stamped at 18:05. With a header assist from grad defender Tim Neussesser, senior Kwaku Dwamena put away the ball to the right corner of the net. This would be Dwamena’s fifth goal of the season.
Although both teams went scoreless in the second half, both kept the game going with little down time. There were more than enough goal attempts for an all-out shootout. Playmakers such as Carlos Naranajo came in with an assist from Dwamena, he had leverage to score at 40:09, but was deflected by the keeper.
The teams went into their first overtime. Momentum was in the favor of the Lakers during first minutes of OT. With close shot plays from Junior defender Hector Gutierrez missing on the near side at 7:28, the Lakers were not able to seal the deal.
The game ended with 2-1 victory, Emmanuel college over Clayton State. The game winning shot goes to freshman Will Fraser-Gray, who was assisted by junior Jeremy Gwaltney with a through ball from center to left side.
The Lakers Season has been devastating, but there are still games to look forward to. The next two games will be home at 3:30 pm eastern time. They will face Francis Marion (6-5-0) on October 20 and Lander College (10-1-2) on October 24.