Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 10, 1995 TAG: 9506130020
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRIS KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The RiverDawgs surrendered three second-half goals to drop a 4-3 decision to the Raleigh Flyers in a United Systems of Independent Soccer League game at Cave Spring Junior High School Friday night.
The loss was Roanoke's fifth in a row and third under new coach Ed McMichael.
The RiverDawgs took a 2-1 lead into the second half but were unable to overcome the Flyers' relentless attack. After being the aggressor throughout the first half - but coming up empty - Raleigh was much more efficient in the second half.
At the 35:13 mark, Raleigh's Erik Imler blasted a direct kick to the left of Roanoke goalkeeper Aaron Ewert to tie the score at 2. Over the next 10 minutes, the Flyers continued to press the action but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net, thanks in large part to some spectacular goalkeeping by Ewert.
In the end, Raleigh's constant pressure paid dividends. At the 45:31 mark, Marvin Raeburn took a pass from Alan Prampin and beat Ewert to his right to give the Flyers their first lead at 3-2.
``In the first half we didn't take advantage of our chances,'' said Raleigh coach Frank Kohlenstein. ``In the second half we were able to [take advantage of scoring opportunities].''
Trailing 3-2, Roanoke wasted no time in responding. Thirty-eight seconds after Raleigh's score, forward Ivan Sampson blasted a shot from 20 yards away, just to the right of the circle, that tied the score. Sampson's shot was the only bright spot of the half for Roanoke.
With 10:39 left, the combination of Raeburn and Prampin struck again for the Flyers. Raeburn who delivered the pass. After receiving the ball, Prampin quickly put it in the net for the deciding score. In addition to the game-winning goal, Prampin delivered two assists.
``I would like to have held on to the lead,'' McMichael said. ``I feel sorry for the kids because of their self-imposed pressure to win. I am real happy with how they played and the total team effort. If we keep playing well, the wins will come.''
In the game's closing minutes the RiverDawgs had chances to score but were unable to put the ball in the net. With 2:07 left, Ian Spooner missed a shot wide left, and Grayson Prillaman attempted to head the tying goal into the net with :16 left, only to see it sail over the goal.
In the first half, Roanoke got very few opportunities to score but made the most of them. Ian Spooner, who came into the game with one goal on the season, scored both Roanoke goals.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB