Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 13, 1995 TAG: 9505150090
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: BIRMINGHAM, ALA. LENGTH: Short
A second-half comeback fell short as the Roanoke RiverDawgs dropped a 4-2 decision to the Birmingham Grasshoppers on Friday night in the Premier League of the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues.
Birmingham (6-0) built a two-goal lead in the first half on the first two of Holger Schneidt's three goals. The first was the result of a defensive lapse, and the second came off the ``live'' shootout on the RiverDawgs' seventh foul of the half. Roanoke had a chance to cut its deficit to a goal two minutes later, but Grayson Prillaman failed to convert a shootout opportunity of his own.
The Dawgs (1-2) closed to 2-1 at 5:20 of the second half when former Radford University standout Dante Washington streaked down the left side and found current Highlanders star Ian Spooner at the far post. Spooner made no mistake with his shot, beating goalie Greg Vinson.
The Grasshoppers' Sean Gibson, who also had an assist, made it 3-1 nearly five minutes later.
Roanoke pulled to 3-2 when Eric McLellan scored from close range at the 48:10 mark, and the Dawgs appeared to equalize when McLellan converted the rebound of a shot by Prillaman. But a linesman ruled McLellan offside.
With Roanoke pressing for the equalizer, Schneidt completed his hat trick to seal the victory.
The Dawgs return home to meet the Greensboro Dynamo, the 1994 USISL Pro League champion, at 3 p.m. Sunday at Cave Spring Junior High School.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for text.
by CNB