Eamon McLaughlin
The University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers used two second half goals to defeat the Lee University men’s soccer team 2-1 on Sunday afternoon. It was the first loss for the Flames in Gulf South Conference play this season.
The Flames peppered the UAH penalty area with shots, but several of them were high or saved in the first half. The best opportunity early in the game came when Ofek Bachar took a shot and hit the left post 21 minutes into the game.
Lee finally broke through in the 40th minute.
The UAH goalkeeper, Ethan Haworth, had a very poor clearance that went right to the feet of Eamon McLaughlin for the Flames. McLaughlin didn’t hesitate and lobbed it from 40 yards out into the back of the net. The goal gave Lee the 1-0 lead at the halftime intermission.
UAH dialed up the pressure in the second half and in the 54th minute, Malek Elbendary headed one into the right side of the net to tie the game at 1-1. The eventual game winner came in the 67 minute when Rafa Vega hit a shot from 25 yards out and gave UAH the 2-1 lead. The Flames had several shots late but could not find the equalizer.
Although UAH had three more corner kicks attempted than the Flames, Lee had eight more shots in the game than the Chargers (14-6).
Lee will return to action on Friday, September 22. The Flames will return home and host Auburn University Montgomery at 7:30 PM at the Ray Conn Sports Complex. With the lone goal for the Flames, McLaughlin leads the team in goals with four.
We will do our best to rebound this week - hopefully get a few players healthy - and be ready for the next set of GSC games.