Box Score
After a pair of heartbreaking decisions, one ending in a double overtime tie and the other in a double overtime defeat, the Lee men's soccer team recorded its first Gulf South Conference victory on Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 decision over Delta State on the Lee Soccer Field.
"Our guys rebounded well from Friday's tough loss," commented coach Paul Furey after his team evened its record at 2-2-1. "We moved the ball well, created chances and got early goals in each half. Our defense bunkered down and didn't allow a shot on goal in the second half. It was just a nice win for our team."
Senior Josh Ball didn't take long to tally his first of two goals. He got an assist from Chevon Roberts and slipped his shot past the keeper with less than four minutes gone in the match. "Our seniors got it going for us early as Chev (Roberts) set up JB (Ball) on the first goal. It set the tone for the rest of the match," noted Furey.
The Flames held a 1-0 lead at the break and Ball put the icing on the victory cake with his second score of the season at the 53:32 mark. He fired his shot past Delta's leaping keeper Milos Boskovic. The assist was recorded by Quade Marinell.
The Statemen's keeper kept the margin from growing higher. The fired-up Flames rifled 17 shots and 12 were on target. Boskovic came away with 10 saves on a hard afternoon of work. He drew extra praise from Furey and Ball.
On the other end, Lee keeper Tom Halsall turned away four Delta State shots on goal in the opening half and then his teammates took control at midfield and near the net to hold the Statesmen without a shot on goal in the final 45 minutes.
Furey took advantage of a strong bench and seven reserves saw their share of playing time. The Flames were awarded nine corner kicks and Delta State had just four in a contest that was dominated for the entire 90 minutes.
Lee continues GSC play next Friday at 7 p.m. when they host a strong West Florida team. After a day of rest, they will hit the road and travel to Livingston, Ala. to face West Alabama next Sunday.
