PEMBROKE, N.C. – Christian Mason took advantage of a fumble in the penalty box by UNCP goalkeeper Dean Moore midway through the second overtime period to help 15th-ranked Lander turn away an upset bid by the Braves and keep it atop the league standings with a 1-0 triumph at Varsity Grounds on Saturday evening.
UNCP (2-9-0, 1-2-0 PBC) had numerous chances to end the game in regulation, but could not overcome a late foul that set the Bearcats up with a prime free kick from about 40 yards out that fueled the score.
The victory gave Lander (8-1-1, 3-1) its second consecutive victory over the Braves and extended its series lead out to 15-6-2. The Bearcats remained tied for first with USC Aiken in the PBC.
UNCP showed its lack of intimidation by putting up three quality shots in the first 3:16 of the contest and Moore kept the Braves in the game with intelligent decisions on his line. Nick Cooke's 30th minute rifle shot was deflected out of harm's way by the UNCP newcomer, with an offside negating Adam Arthur's 33rd minute score. Miguel Ferrer got UNCP's best chance to score in the 33rd minute of play, but his 25-yard seeing-eye missile sailed inches above goalkeeper Garrett Daum's crossbar.
UNCP got much of the play in posting a 10-3 shot advantage in the second half and had its chances to get off the mark more often than naught. Lander got a pair of quality chances after a Jamie Davison corner kick in the 61st minute, but Moore proved up to the task on both occasions.
Andrew Brown looked to have position for a goal in the 73rd minute, but could not find a clear look in which to beat Daum. Michael Barnhorst nearly capitalized on a 30-yard direct kick with two minutes to play, but Daum got both hands on the chance to send the game into overtime.
The Braves got their best chance of the game just less than three minutes into the first extra period when Mason Peacock found a loose ball and stared at an open net, but, with his heels on the end line, Ryan Thorman cleared the ball to keep the score at a deadlock.
Daum recorded his ninth shutout of the season.
UNCP will return to action on Wednesday when the Braves welcome region rival Limestone (6-4-1) for a 7 p.m. tilt at Varsity Grounds. Admission to all 2007 UNCP soccer home games is free.
