CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The William and Mary men's soccer team battled No. 10 Charlotte to the wire, but fell 3-1 on Tuesday night in Charlotte, N.C. The Tribe led 1-0 at halftime, but the 49ers scored three second half goals in the victory. With the decision, the Tribe falls to 3-7 this season, while the 49ers improve to 7-1.
W&M wasted little time getting on the board with a marker in just the third minute of the match. Senior Josh West sent a pass to junior Jackson Eskay. Jackson then sent a long ball that found his younger brother freshman William Eskay. The freshman fired a shot from 23-yards out that found the back of the net. William Eskay's second goal of the season gave the Tribe a 1-0 lead.
Moments later the Tribe had another shot to extend its lead to 2-0. Jackson Eskay charged the box, but his shot was blocked by a Charlotte defender and out of play.
The 49ers had three chances in the late part of the second half to find the equalizer. The first came on a shot from Kyle Parker that sailed high. Again in the 38th minute, Parker found some space and uncorked a shot a target. However, senior goalkeeper Bennett Jones was there for the stop. The final opportunity came in the 38th minute, when Brandt Bronico put a shot on frame. The result was the same, however, as Jones turned it away.
Charlotte had a pair chances in the opening moments of the second stanza. Just three minutes in, Bronico pushed his shot on frame, but Jones made the stop. In the 59th minute, Parker put another on target, but again Jones had the answer.
The 49ers found the equalizer in the 69th minute. Bronico sent a pass that found David Mayer. Mayer, who was 10-yards out on the left side of the pitch, scored into the left corner of the net. Mayer's fist of the season tied the match at 1-1.
Six minutes later, Charlotte found the game-winner. Hans Horner hit the post on his first shot. However, the rebound bounced right back to him, and Horner put the ball into the empty net. His second goal of the season gave the 49ers a 2-1 lead.
Charlotte added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute. Dominic Bonilla started the attack with a pass to Parker. Parker, who was just four feet out, placed his shot into the back of the net. His fourth of the season, gave Charlotte a 3-1 advantage.
W&M never quit and had a couple of chances before the end of regulation. Senior Chris Albiston fired a shot on frame that was turned away by Pack. On the ensuing corner kick, Charlotte was able to hold off the Tribe attack, and run out the remaining minute of regulation.
Charlotte held a 14-6 advantage in shots, including a 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. Jones finished the night with five saves for the Tribe on the evening. Albiston and Jackson Eskay fired a team-high two shots for the Green and Gold.
The College returns home and returns to CAA play when the welcome Drexel to Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field on Saturday, Oct. 4. The match is the culmination of the sixth annual Crapolfest celebration. For more information on the day, visit AndyCrapol.com.
