October 11, 2011

Box Score

NEWARK, N.J. - Longwood University dropped a 1-0 double-overtime men's soccer decision at Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) foe New Jersey Institute of Technology on Tuesday evening in Newark, New Jersey. The only goal of the match was an own goal in the 103rd minute to give the Highlanders (4-7-2, 1-0 ASC) the victory. The Lancers (6-6-1, 0-2 ASC) return to action on Saturday, October 15, when they face Davidson College of the Southern Conference at 7 p.m. in Davidson, North Carolina.

Longwood was the aggressor in the first half, outshooting NJIT 7-0 with six shots on goal, including five shots in the first 18 minutes. Junior Niels van Pelt|Den Haag, Netherlands (Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet) had a header attempt from eight-yards out sail over the crossbar in the 18th minute. Sophomore Nick Surkamp|Manassas (Osbourn Park) made it through the defense but the NJIT goalkeeper stopped his shot with a kick save. The Highlanders rallied in the second half, outshooting the Lancers 12-4. Surkamp attempted a pair of shots in the first overtime period, but both were blocked before they reached the goal. In the second overtime, NJIT had a direct kick. van Pelt attempted to clear the ball as it was sent in to the box, but it deflected into the goal at 102:14 to give the Highlanders the 1-0 victory.

“It was a cruel day today, but also a lesson learned as we played well but couldn't convert,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “As the game played out, NJIT came back into it a bit more, but we were holding them off comfortably enough until the own goal struck. We have to do a better job in the final third as a team to put these games away. I can't fault the effort or, at times, some of the possession, which we will take to practice to get ready for Davidson.”

Longwood outshot NJIT 13-12 and had an 8-6 edge in shots on goal, while the Highlanders had 6-3 advantage in corner kicks. Surkamp attempted a match-high five shots, while freshman Zach Crandall|Lorton (South County) attempted three shots, all on goal. Senior goalkeeper Joel Helmick|Springfield (W.T. Woodson) made five saves in goal, all in the second half while playing all 102:14 in goal. Four Highlanders attempted two shots, while Lars Maalen-Johansen made eight saves in the shutout.