No. 1 Coastal Carolina Wins Big South Men's Soccer Championship
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GREENSBORO, N.C. – No. 1 Coastal Carolina used a pair of second half goals to defeat No. 7 Liberty 2-0 in the Championship match of the 2013 Big South Men’s Soccer Championship Sunday afternoon at Bryan Park in Greensboro, N.C. The win secured Coastal Carolina’s first crown since 2010 and its 11 overall Big South Championship.
With the win, the Chanticleers receive the Big South’s automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship and will find out who they will play in the tournament on Monday, Nov. 18 at noon during the NCAA Selection Show.
Coastal Carolina scored in the 59th minute to take the 1-0 lead. Agust Arnarson sent a cross into the box that was knocked down by Kevin Le Bras. Le Bras passed it over to Ricky Garbanzo who took a dribble, turned and fired a shot that found the back of the net at the far post.
The Chanticleers added a goal in the 71st minute to push its lead to 2-0. Matt Risher flicked ahead a long ball at midfield to Jakub Stourac that brought the Liberty keeper Scott Sutarik off his line. Sutrarik fell and left the net wide open for Strourac who blasted a shot into the goal.
Coastal Carolina finished the contest with 22 shots, to the Flames’ seven. Devin Cook turned away two Liberty attacks, while Sutarik posted 4 saves for the Flames.
The Chanticleers improve to 17-4-0 on the season, while Liberty falls to 11-9-0.
QUOTES
Coastal Carolina Head Coach Shaun Docking
“I am very proud of our team today. They watched out for each other and played as a unit. It was great to win this Championship for Justin, who was unable to play with his injury. Liberty is a very good team and they showed that today. Winning this championship will give us momentum heading into next week’s NCAA Tournament.”
Liberty Head Coach Jeff Alder
“First off, I would like to congratulate Coastal Carolina and wish them the best in next week’s NCAA Tournament. I am very proud of my guys and the effort they put in this season. We play for God’s glory and praise him that we can serve him through playing soccer.”
All-Tournament Team
Pedro Ribeiro, Coastal Carolina (MVP)
Shawn McLaws, Coastal Carolina
Uchenna Uzo, Coastal Carolina
Justin Portillo, Coastal Carolina
Scott Sutarik, Liberty
Juan Nino, Liberty
Sam Duininck, Liberty
Sam Yardley, Longwood
Phillip Van Berkom, Longwood
Bernardo Ulmo, Radford
Matt Janssen, Radford
Adam Sewell, High Point
Iman Mafi, Gardner-Webb
Jhuvon Francis, Campbell
Jordi Lluch, Winthrop