THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 16, 1994 TAG: 9409160676
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
An ``own goal'' with 7:34 left in the first half proved to be the deciding factor as the Virginia Wesleyan soccer played to a 1-1 tie against Mary Washington Thursday night.
Mary Washington's Craig Gillian drew keeper Scott Morgenroth out of the box, leaving Tyke Pantophlet back to cover the goal. Gillan sent a cross past Morgenrothand and as Pantophlet went to clear it, he kicked it in to give the Eagles (4-1-1) their only score of the game. Gillan was credited with the goal.
``This was the kind of game where a coach learns about his players and the players learn about themselves,'' Virginia Wesleyan coach Sonny Travis said. ``Both teams played with a lot of heart.''
The Marlins (4-0-1), who are ranked fourth in the country and first in the South Region, didn't respond until there were 15 minutes remaining in the second half. Evan Whitson took a pass from Ryan Crooks, beat his defender and slotted the ball to the far post past keeper Jim Hummell.
In the final seconds of regulation, Virginia Wesleyan failed to convert two opportunities when Gary DePalma missed wide on a corner and Che' Clark hit the post on a cross.
Virginia Wesleyan outshot the Eagles, 20-9, at the end of regulation and two 15-minute overtime periods.
The Marlins return to action this weekend, playing host to Bridgewater on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Ferrum at 1 p.m. Sunday. by CNB