MORROW, GA. - Although pushing the pace of play in the second half, the Lander men's soccer team was unable to overcome two first-half goals as it fell to No. 16 Clayton State 2-1 on Saturday.
Lander drops to 2-4-2 overall and 1-1-0 in the PBC while Clayton State moves to 7-1-0 overall and 3-0-0 in the PBC.
How It Happened
The Lakers were first to strike, as the home side tucked away goals in the 13th and 23rd minute of play to take a 2-0 lead into the half.
Lander put 4-of-5 shots on goal in the first half to test the Clayton State keeper.
Juan Rodriguez came up with five saves in the first half as the Lakers put 7-of-11 shots on goal in the first frame.
The Bearcats would cut the deficit in half in the 53rd minute on a Penalty Kick converted by Christian Hatley.
Lander would attempt seven shots in the second half with four more going on goal.
Game Notes/Historical Facts
- Lander is now 26-11-4 all-time against Clayton State and moves to 7-7-2 on the road against the Lakers.
- The last time Lander fell on the road to Clayton State was during the 2021 season when the Bearcats lost 3-2.
- Hatley has now scored in five games this season and leads the team in goals scored with five.
- Rodriguez made a career-high seven saves against Clayton State.
- The Bearcats pushed their streak of allowing two or fewer goals to seven straight games after allowing five to begin the season against Florida Tech.
What's Next?
The Bearcats return home to begin a two-game home stand when it battles USC Aiken on September 27 for a 7:30 p.m. start at Van Taylor Stadium.
Keep up to date with your Bearcats, and never miss a moment of the action! Follow Lander Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for continued updates! #cLawsUp
