BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb scored two times in the final 14 minutes, including Mads Rismoen's game-winning goal in the final 26 seconds, to lift the Runnin' Bulldogs to a 2-1 win over the Longwood men's soccer team Saturday afternoon at Greene-Harbison Stadium
 
Rismoen, who had a goal and an assist for a three-point afternoon, scored the game-winner with just 26 seconds remaining on the clock off a feed from Magnus Moldjord, eliminating Longwood's chances to earn a berth into the 2017 Big South Championship.
 
"Our lads gave a good effort today and competed throughout as they have all season," said Longwood head coach Jon Atkinson. "However, the reality is we didn't do enough. Ultimately, our quality was lacking to convert our chances or sustain possession in good areas which can leave yourself open to 'those moments' in the game. A cruel twist in the tail sealed our fate in the last 26 seconds."
 
Longwood's latest result puts to close its point streak of two straight games, as the Lancers fall to 1-14-2 and 1-5-1 in Big South play. Meanwhile, the Runnin' Bulldogs (7-6-2, 3-2-1 Big South) secure a berth into the Big South Championship while collecting their first win over Longwood since the Lancers moved into the Big South.
 
"The margins of winning and losing have been excruciatingly close this season, which of course makes it frustrating in itself. Reflectively, I believe this has been one of the best squads we've had in years and shown we can compete on a national level."
 
Saturday's game is the latest in games that Longwood has played this season that have been decided by one goal, as the Lancers have won just one of nine games played this season that have been decided by one goal.
 
Sherif Maalouf scored his first of the season in the 32nd minute, as the Cairo, Egypt product finished a Dan Campos cross from the left from eight yards out to give the Lancers the all-important opening goal. The assist from Campos gives him 24 for his illustrious career, bringing him to second-place all-time at Longwood with 25 career assists.
 
That lead stood for the Lancers for 44 minutes until Jack Hoey scored the equalizer in the 76th minute, finishing a cross from Mads Rismoen with his left foot into the bottom corner for his second goal of the season.
 
With the game appearing to be headed to overtime, Rismoen netted the game-winner in Gardner-Webb's last effort of regulation, placing a cross from Moldjord past Longwood goalkeeper Lance Da Silva.  
 
Da Silva made four saves in the outing, including a pair of key stops in the opening 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Longwood peppered the Gardner-Webb net with nine of its 12 shots on goal, as Jacob Beyer made answered with eight saves.
 
Connor Rea led the Lancers with four shots, as he was joined by Maalouf and freshman Luke Ahalt with multiple shots on goal.
 
"Our seniors will have to reflect on a season that truly doesn't indicate what our program is capable of in terms of results," Atkinson said. "I know they've left the jersey better than when they first received it and I can't thank them enough. We'll rightfully honor them Wednesday in our last home stead against High Point."

"We will be pulling for our ladies to fly the flag this year in the tournament."
 
Longwood will close out its season against High Point Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Athletics Complex. First touch is slated for 6 p.m., with Longwood's five seniors – Campos, Marten Pajunurm, Tom Devitt, Chad Kozoyed, Vaughn Fowler and Eoin O Donovan to be honored prior to the game.
 
#GoWood?