THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994 TAG: 9406260270
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940626 LENGTH: NORFOLK
So Hampton Roads Hurricanes defensive back Joey Lenard was reveling in newfound fame Saturday night after scoring the only goal in the Hurricanes' 1-0 victory over the Florida Stars in front of 2,034 at the Old Dominion University soccer field.
{REST} ``I scored one goal all of last season (for ODU),'' said Lenard, who was returning to his collegiate field of dreams as the Hurricanes played at ODU for the only time on their regular season schedule. ``So this felt great.
``As a defender, you make all those runs down field hoping something happens. It usually doesn't. But on that one time that it happens, it pays off. And sometimes it's the game-winner like tonight.''
Lenard put away a touch pass from Wayne Pratt in the second minute of the second half, capping a long rush downfield.
The scoring play started when forward Jon Hall, who'd been inserted to start the second half, gathered a pass from Lenard at midfield, raced up the left side and crossed a pass to Pratt coming in on the other side of the box. Pratt then feathered a reversing pass to the hard-charging Lenard inside the left post, beating Florida keeper Jose Fernandez.
``I love a bit of space,'' said Hall, who'd missed the previous week's practices while working a soccer camp in Somerest, Ky. ``This was starting to look like a game where the prettiest play would decide it. I'm the ugliest mug of this team, so I decided to take Route 1.''
Both teams appeared sluggish and out of sorts in the opening half. The Stars had a reason: They had been trounced by the Richmond Kickers the previous night, 4-1.
The Hurricanes, however, didn't have an excuse.
``They saw the Richmond score and took this team lightly,'' said Hurricanes coach Sonny Travis, who was less than pleased with the Hurricanes' overall effort. ``I thought it was an ugly game.''
For its lack of artistic perfection, the Hurricanes improved to 6-7 and can even their record Friday night when they visit Richmond. Florida fell to 7-6.
``Hey, an ugly win is better than a pretty loss,'' said Hurricanes defensive back Leroi Wilson.
The Hurricanes toyed with their one-goal advantage much of the second half and Florida was able to reel off some quality shots on goal, particularly by Ruben Tufino and Darion Mesa in the late stages. But goalkeeper Tim Figureido was outstanding, making 10 saves on the evening.
``When you have a guy behind you who should be an all-star keeper, it makes your job a lot easier,'' Lenard said.
Travis winced at the thought.
``We got a little loose on our marks at the top of the box and that put too much pressure on Figs,'' Travis said. ``I'm beginning to think some of our guys have too much confidence in Figureido.''
Florida 0 0 - 0
Hampton Roads 0 1 - 1
Scoring-1, Hampton Roads, Lenard (Pratt), 31:17.
Total shots-Florida 5-11-16; Hampton Roads 4-12-16.
Shots on goal-Florida 3-7-10; Hampton Roads 1-7-8.
Saves-Florida, Fernandez 7; Hampton Roads, Figureido 10.
Yellow cards-Florida, Tufino, Tokos.
Fouls-Florida 4-4-8; Hampton Roads 4-1-5.
A-2,034. by CNB