Clemson and Charlotte Play to 1-1 Tie

Sept. 9, 2009

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson and Charlotte played to a 1-1 overtime tie in an intercollegiate men’s soccer match at Clemson, SC Wednesday night.

The game was delayed for 43 minutes during the first overtime period due to lightning in the area. Play was resumed at 9:50 pm with 4:10 left to go in the first overtime period.

Clemson is now 0-2-1 overall, while Charlotte is 1-1-1 this season.

Charlotte scored early in the first half in the 10th minute. Adam Gross received a pass from Andres Cuero and then crossed the ball to Evan James who scored from eight yards out for his first goal of the season.

With 23:47 left to go in the game the Tigers’ Mike Mattson attempted a shot from 10 yards out, but the Charlotte goalkeeper David Martin made a kick save to preserve the lead.

Clemson tied the score in the 75th minute. Nathan Thornton picked up a misclear at the top of the box by the Charlotte defense. Thornton sent a looping shot over the 49ers’ goalkeeper into the netting for his first goal of the season.

Midway in the first overtime period Evan James took a shot from six yards out, but it was blocked by Clemson’s goalkeeper, Joseph Bendik.

After the lightning delay with four minutes left in the first overtime period, Clemson had a flury in front of the goal but was unable to capitalize. Mike Mattson hit the right post with a close range shot followed by Nathan Thornton who had two shots that were saved by Martin and then another that was blocked by a 49er defender.

“We didn’t play particularly well tonight,” said Clemson Head Coach Phil Hindson. “However, I was proud of our effort. We had a lot of opportunities to score tonight. Charlotte is a good team. Our team has a lot of character, and we kept battling back. We will continue to work. We have a hard schedule, and must look ahead and prepare for Wake Forest. I am encouraged by our team’s attitude.”

Charlotte had 20 shots and the Tigers finished with 12. Clemson’s goalkeeper Joseph Bendik had seven saves, while the 49ers’David Martin had 5. Both teams had four corner kicks.

Clemson will play host to Wake Forest on Sunday afternoon in an Atlantic Coast Conference match at 5:30 p.m. at Historic Riggs Field.

ScoringCharlotte Evan James, (Adam Gross, Andres Cuero) 9:39

Clemson Nathan Thornton (Unassisted) 74:06

Shots: Clemson 12, Charlotte 20Corner Kicks: Clemson 4, Charlotte 4Saves: Joseph Bendik (CU) 7, David Martin (Char) 5Fouls: Clemson 11, Charlotte 11Attendance: 832