Men’s Soccer Keeps Opening Game Streak Alive in Victory

8/23/07

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Two late second half goals propelled the 10th-ranked Lynn University men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the University of Montevallo in both teams season opener. The Fighting Knights have won 12 consecutive season opening matches and move to 20-1-1 all-time in its first game. Juniors Lee Porter and Nano Short netted goals for LU while Tim Melia recorded his 11th shutout as a member of the Blue and White and 18th overall.



“Even though it’s the beginning of the season, this was a pivotal win,” said head coach Shaun Pendleton. “Montevallo is a very good team. They played us strong the entire game and didn’t let us capitalize on opportunities until late in the contest. Now, heading into our long road trip, our guys are going to be carrying a tremendous amount of confidence.”



One of the top offensive teams in the country a year ago, Lynn could not find the back of the net the entire first half despite numerous chances. Keishen Bean had the first crack on goal in the 27th minute, striking a soft shot across the penalty box that just missed the right post while a Tyrell Burgess’ shot on goal within 10-yards of the net, sailed left. LU out-shot UM 9-0 in the first half.



The Knights sent a barrage of shots on keeper Melford James Jr. to start the second half, unleashing five shots through the first 10 minutes. The Falcons senior net-minder saved two point blank shots in that span, the closest coming from a header by Short off a corner. He finished with five saves overall.



Lynn got a lucky break in the 76th minute though. Jean Alexandre beat Lucas Manzoli around the top left corner of the box and darted towards net, only to have Manzoli take him down from behind, awarding the Knight’s with a penalty kick. Porter struck a hard low shot inside the left post to put LU up 1-0.



Montevallo was sent reeling just four minutes later when Short tacked on another goal. James Hayers perfectly placed a free kick from the far side of the field over a crowded penalty area right to the head of Short. The London, England, product knocked the ball in with authority, past a diving James Jr.



The Falcons made two last ditch efforts in the final 10 minutes to get on the board. Jonathan Maloney, last years leading scorer for Montevallo, struck a hard hit ball just right of the net and in front of the back line, only to see it saved by Tim Melia. Moments later, Adam Frazer attempted a long strike from about 30-yards out, but Melia made a nice punch save over the net to preserve the shutout.



Lynn out-shot Montevallo 21-4 for the game and won the corner kick battle 6-1.



The Fighting Knights return to action Sunday, August 26 the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Game time is set for 6 pm EST. Fans can follow the action live by logging on to www.lynn.edu/athletics and clicking on the “live audio” and “live stats” links.