LMU SOCCER NEWS
LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION
Sports Release December 2, 2007
LMU Falls Short Of NCAA Title With 1-0 Loss To Franklin Pierce
|
|
Orange Beach, Ala. – Orange Beach, Ala. With several near misses by both teams, the match appeared to be headed for overtime, since that was the theme so far in the 2007 Division II National Soccer Championships, but the nations’ second leading scorer David Clifton slipped a shot over the head of LMU goalkeeper Brent Cole to give the Ravens of Franklin Pierce the National Championship.
The goal was Clifton’s 10th career post season goal, and the 9th goal of the 2007 post season, which are both NCAA records.
It was an epic match of two teams that had previously reached the final four, but never won it all. This time they were going head to head for the title. This was the third trip for the Franklin Pierce Ravens (17-2-4), who lost in the title game in 2005 to Fort Lewis, by a 3-1 score, and also appeared in the 1991 final four. Lincoln Memorial (20-4-1) reached the final four last season, but lost in the semifinal game. This was the Railsplitters' first appearance in the national championship game.
The match was a battle of two teams that scored only one goal in a combined 218 minutes of play in Friday’s semifinal matches. At the same time, neither team gave up a goal in the 218 minutes prior to this game, so a goal at anytime could be the one that determines the National Title. The LMU roster included nine Brazilians and team displays a unique possession oriented style. Meanwhile, Franklin Pierce forward David Clifton, who ranked 2nd in the NCAA for scoring, is the focal point for the Raven’s scoring.
The match started with both teams getting good chances in the first four minutes. LMU which had scored with only 1:46 left in the second overtime on Friday, had a chance to score in the first 1:46 of the title match with two good opportunities early, as a cross pass from Marcelo Galafassi was a little to far for Nelson Pizzaro. Then on the ensuing corner kick, Franklin Pierce goalkeeper James Thorpe intercepted it before any chance at a header. Moments later, the Ravens’ midfielder Marek Hawrylik was free on the left side, but his shot was saved by Railsplitter goalkeeper Brent Cole.
The game then took on the resemblance of the semifinal games, as defensive dominance prevailed. Throughout the first half, the Railsplitters' displayed some nifty footwork and passing; however, the Raven’s seem to counteract that as they appeared quicker to get to the ball. All in all, the remainder of the first half was played relatively even, despite one good open shot for LMU forward Leandro Pereira, which was struck wide right at minute 28. At minute 42, the Ravens’ Henning Come broke free on the left, but he sent his shot just wide to the right. When the first half ended, one could hear Yogi Berra exclaim, “It’s Déjà vu all over again,” as the scoreboard read 0-0. Actually, Yogi Berra wasn’t there, so maybe it was LMU defender, Felipe Nogueira.
The second half began with each team getting a good opportunity to score. LMU had a great chance on a corner kick at minute 55, when James Thorpe missed timed his jump to intercept the ball before a header, but LMU couldn’t get a good head on it. Then, at minute 59, the Raven’s scoring leader Clifton got off a beautiful pass to Frantz Francois, but Francois was a little of balance and couldn’t get off a clear shot, and it went wide. Back at the other end, LMU would get another great chance when Guilherme Alves’ free kick shot went off the post at minute 65.
While LMU seemed to be getting the better opportunities early on, as the second half headed into the final 20 minutes, the Ravens of Franklin Pierce seemed to be gaining some momentum. After a few close calls, including a chance by Clifton at minute 79 inside the box, that the LMU defense stopped, neither team appeared to have an edge. Then at minute 82, the Railsplitters' Jemal Talore was free inside the box, but his cross pass was deflected. The near misses seemed to be a sign that another scoreless regulation was about to take place at the Orange Beach Soccer Complex. However, with 1:45 left in the contest, Clifton chipped a shot just over the keeper into the left corner. His shot from the right side came off a pass from Francois, and proved to be the goal of the year.
Clifton talked about the winning goal, “It happened so fast, I just tried to lift it over, and it went it.” In regards to his record setting goal, Clifton said, “It’s really nice to break records, but its most satisfying to win as a team and represent the University.” Meanwhile, goalkeeper James Thorpe also set an NCAA record for most minutes played as a goalkeeper, and his comments were, “It is a credit to our trainers, my teammates, and staying in shape.” He also commented on the near miss that LMU had at minute 65, “on the free kick, I thought it was off, but I misplayed and it luckily hit the post.”
In the Semifinal contest, 1:46 showed on the scoreboard when LMU hit the game winner, and this time, the clock read 1:45 left for LMU to try to tie the score again. The Railsplitters would not go quietly, as they had two opportunities with free kicks inside the last 1:30; however the Ravens would hold on. LMU midfielder Claudio Rico commented afterwards, “after the goal, we kept going, we tried everything possible.” Time did run out on the Railsplitters in their first ever title game. LMU head coach Helio D’Anna said, “I told our guys, that our sport is so unforgiving. Franklin Pierce is a great team, but we did what it took to win the game, and we out-shot them. Anyway, that is part of why we love this game. We played our possession game, and sometimes that wears the other team out. In fact, many times we are out-shot because of our style, and we win. Our guys did what it took, and I am proud of them.”
The Railsplitters end their best season in school history with the loss.
-- Story from NCAASports.com
-LMU-
For additional comments please contact,
Head Coach: Helio D'Anna
Phone: (423) 869-6245