posted November 22, 2008
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - On a bitter-cold Saturday afternoon in upstate Ohio, the season ended for the Lee men's soccer team after a 2-0 defeat to Mount Vernon Nazarene in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.
After pulling out three sensational wins in the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament, the Flames could not find a way to battle the rugged weather conditions in the national competition. The contest was played on a frozen turf and at game-time, the temperature hovered around the 30 degree mark.
It didn't take the host Mount Vernon team long to take advantage of the situation. The Ohio team had earned the right to host the opening round by winning their conference in freezing conditions last weekend.
Adam Worrall scored both of the goals. His first score came at the 11:48 mark and that was really all the Cougars needed to advance to Fresno, Calif. and much warmer conditions for the final rounds of NAIA competition. Worrall put the game on ice in the 52nd minute. The first goal came on an assist from Rockey Cane. The second score was unassisted.
"I'm not trying to make any excuses, but we were slipping and sliding all over the field," said coach Henry Moyo. "The field was completely frozen and we were never able to adjust. I'm not taking anything away from Mount Vernon. They have a really good soccer team."
Moyo said he was extremely proud of this group. "You might say we came out of the ashes to turn our season completely around. We are a young team and we have a lot to build on next year. Making the national tournament after losing seven matches by one goal is an amazing accomplishment by these young men."
Mount Vernon out-shot the Flames 17-9. Lee had three shots on goal and the Cougars put 10 on target. Lee had four corner kicks to just two for Mount Vernon. Luidgi Beauzile claimed eight saves for the Flames. Alex Stout had three saves for the winners.
Mount Vernon will take an impressive 16-3-2 record into the California action. Lee closes the season at 9-10-2.
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