Miles's late goal lifts Braves over Lakers

By Jonathan Bym
Asst. Sports Editor

September 27, 2012

Photo by Hillary Akers

Sophomore Sam Miles is looking to break away from the defense. Miles scored the game-winning goal for the Black and Gold against Clayton State on Sept. 22.

With less than 15 minutes left in a scoreless match, UNCP sophomore forward Sam Miles was able to maneuver around the Clayton State defense to score the only goal of the game on Sept. 22.

The win improves the Braves' record to 6-1-0 on the year.

Both teams played a very physical game as there were five yellow cards booked in the game from both teams, and a combined 32 fouls called.

Early in the match, senior Sean Hoek attempted one of his two shots in the match as he hit the post at the 11-minute mark.

At the 28-minute mark, Miles took an open shot on goal that was stopped by Laker goalkeeper Matt Sutton.

Sutton recorded two saves during his 90 minutes in goal.

About 15 minutes before halftime, Clayton State's Bobby Dodd sent a shot on the Braves' goal that Black and Gold goalkeeper Ryan Hanson was able to save.

Hanson was able to save another Laker shot eight minutes later off the foot of Ado Junuzovic.

At the half, both teams were deadlocked at 0-0. Clayton State was able to outshoot the Braves 10-7 in the first half.

Five minutes into the second half, the Braves were able to take their second shot on goal for the whole match as Sutton was able to save a Martin Tomter shot.

Clayton State's Alhagi Toure took a shot in the 64th minute that was stopped by Hanson for his fifth save of the match.

Hanson stopped another Laker shot 10 minutes later from Elliot Pros.

At the 76-minute mark, the Braves broke the scoreless tie as Miles received a pass from Matt McDougall and was able to find the back of the net for his sixth time this season for the Braves.

Clayton State looked to tie the score two minutes later as Kevin Rodriquez took a shot on goal that was saved by Hanson for his season-high eighth and final save of the match.

The Braves finished the game with 13 shots with three landing on goal, while Clayton State posted 19 shots with eight on goal.

Miles tallied six shots on the night to lead the UNCP offense.

The Black and Gold will return to the pitch as they play the final game of their three game home-stand on Sept. 26 against Barton.