HUNTSVILLE, Ala. –The season came to an heartbreaking end for the Lee University men's soccer team with a 1-0 loss in extra time on Thursday. The Gulf South Conference tournament semifinal was scoreless for 94 minutes before Chris Douglas won the game for the Trojans. Lee finished the season with a 9-5-4 record.
Both teams had multiple opportunities in the first half but both goalkeepers made crucial saves. Charles Carriglitto had five saves in the loss. Hunter Walker had three saves for Trevecca.
The second half featured a lot of up and down the field. Both teams had eight shots in the second 45 minutes. Max Rode, Marcos Garcia, and Ole Backfisch all had chances but were denied. After 90 minutes it was deadlocked at 0-0.
Trevecca found the game winner in the 94
th minute. Judah Jones ran down the right side of the field and crossed it into the box. His pass found Chris Douglas on the far end of the goal and he slid it into the goal. The Gulf South Conference player of the year scored his 19
th goal in the win.
There were a combined 24 fouls between the two teams in the game. Backfisch earned a yellow card for the Flames.
This was the fifth time the Flames made it to the GSC semifinals. Lee is now 2-3 all time in the semifinals.
Coach Derek Potteiger's Thoughts:
"That is of course a heartbreaking loss and I hurt for the players. They invested so much this season and specifically tonight and it's hard to digest a loss that comes like this and feels so sudden.
But that is sport and that pain and disappointment is the risk that you take.
As that moment passes, my feelings turn to gratitude for this team and specifically the 4 seniors. I have deeply enjoyed this season and those 4 guys - Mati, Marcos, Brandon, & Will - are a really special group.
I have promised them this season will be a foundation of more success to come and I hope they can feel a part of what we can hopefully accomplish in the years to come."
