Braves’ unbeaten streak over

By Dan Kelly
Assistant Sports Editor

UNCP’s impressive 11-game unbeaten streak was finally broken by Clayton State University on Oct. 15 in a 3-1 road loss, leaving the Braves still winless in the Peach Belt.

Clayton State was able to get a lead early in the match with a 6th minute goal from Alex Dowling, followed up with goals in the 50th and 85th minutes by Victor Duncan and Juan Trujillo, respectively.

The Braves’ only goal of the game came in the 88th minute off a header from Tuncay Dilek on an assist by Trond Myrland.

UNCP captured its sixth and seventh shutouts of the season against conference opponent USC Upstate and Barton College.

The home contest against USC Upstate was a showcase of the defensive prowess of both teams.

The Braves were only able to manage four shots on goal during regulation time and two overtime periods, but were buoyed by a total of seven saves by Braves goalie Richard Sallin.

Sallin was able to constantly keep the Braves in the game by making plays on what seemed to be sure-fire goals for Upstate.

The tension was incredibly high throughout the closing minutes of regulation and into the overtime periods.

The Braves’ best look of the match came with under a minute left in the 2nd overtime as Christian Staackman had an open shot in front of the goal but it sailed high.

The result was a 0-0 tie that certainly didn’t lack drama or excitement, though scoring was nonexistent.

Sallin became the second UNCP men’s soccer player to be named PBC Player of the Week on Oct. 11. This is due in part to his great performance against USC Upstate as his saves undoubtedly preserved the tie for the Braves.

Staackman received Player of the Week honors in September.

The Braves lone win in this three-game stretch came on the road against Barton College 2-0.

The Braves first goal was by Jon Flantos in the 15th minute, assisted by Erik Hayworth. Dilek capped the scoring in the 60th minute of play with the assist going to Alex Lord.

The Braves will return to action on Oct. 22 when Lander University visits the Belk Athletic Complex.