GREENWOOD – Sixteenth-ranked Clayton State scored twice in the first half and moved into a tie for first place atop the Peach Belt Conference men's soccer standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over No. 20 Lander Saturday night.

The Bearcats fell into third place in the Peach Belt. They are 10-3-2 overall and 4-2 in the conference. The Lakers improved to 11-3-1, moving into a share for first place with USC Aiken at 4-1.

The Lakers dominated the first half, out-shooting Lander 12-1 and scoring both their goals. Jamal Geathers scored his 15th goal of the season with 27:47 left in the half when he outraced two defenders to a loose ball and put it in the back of the net. Alex Sethi was credited with the assist.

Tonny Madegwa scored Clayton's second goal with 18:31 left off Marijan Babic's direct kick. Madegwa deflected Babic's kick into the net past Bearcats goalkeeper Garrett Daum, who fell down on the play. Daum closed the first half with a couple big saves to keep the score at 2-0.

Lander rallied in the second half, pulling within 2-1 with 35:29 left when Nick Cooke drilled a shot into an open net off Martyn Bell's assist. Bell nailed a long shot that was deflected by Clayton goalkeeper Janeal Simon. The ball got behind Simon and Cooke collected the ball and found the back of the net for the seventh time this season.

The Bearcats missed an opportunity to tie with approximately 30:30 left when Aaron Brittain had an open net but missed wide left. They continued to put on the pressure for an equalizer but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Lakers out-shot Lander 20-6. Daum had seven saves while Simon stopped two.