November 6, 2004

BOX SCORE

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University men’s soccer team dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Mercer University in its season finale Saturday evening at Lancer Field. The visiting Bears (10-8) scored the game-winner eight minutes into the first overtime period when Alan Colgan scored his second goal of the night. The Lancers, who finished the 2004 campaign with a 1-16 record, were playing their first season under NCAA Division I rules and regulations.

Longwood jumped out on top first when sophomore Chris Miller/Chesapeake (Hickory) scored on a cross from junior Leon Malca/Hertzeliya, Israel (Mercer C.C.) at the 34:14 mark. The Lancers increased their lead to 2-0 with less than four minutes to play in the first half on a goal by freshman Todd Runey/Midlothian (Collegiate). Classmate Mike Negash/Charlottesville (Charlottesville) was credited with the assist. Longwood held the 8-3 advantage in shots and the 4-2 edge in corner kicks in the first stanza.

The Bears cut the Lancers lead to 2-1 when Mark McKeever scored at the 66:52 mark and then tied the game with 13 minutes left in regulation on an unassisted goal by Colgan. Colgan would cap off Mercer’s come-from-behind victory when he headed in a cross by Andrew Jones with two minutes remaining in the first overtime session.

Mercer finished the game with the slight 16-14 edge in shots, while Longwood held the 8-7 advantage in corner-kick opportunities. Freshman goalkeeper Matt VanOekel/Chesapeake (Great Bridge) made seven saves for the Lancers, while Martin Walker made six for the Bears.

It was the final match for Longwood’s lone senior, Stuart Bertsch/Norfolk (Maury), who helped the program to a record of 31-38-2 (.451%) over his four-year career.