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Cougars Battle Lions in Great Defensive Match


(10/10/09) Clearwater, Fl- The Cougars hosted Emmanuel College on Saturday, October 10 at Glen Oaks Park. Emmanuel is a strong NAIA/NCCAAI team from Franklin Springs, GA.

This was Senior Night for the men's soccer team as this was the last home game of the season. Cougar Seniors Carl Lassegue, Danny Post, Justin Makso, Derek Routhier, and Bill Carlton all were in the starting lineup for the match and also were recognized at halftime. However, the Cougars were without centerback and defensive leader Matt Tewes, who was recovering from a head injury suffered against Toccoa Falls.

Clearwater came out looking flat, playing uninspired early in the match. Emmanuel sat back allowing the Cougars to dictate play and looking to capitalize on Cougar mistakes. In the 12 minute, Emmanuel scored on a long free kick as midfielder Ivan Garcia got in unmarked behind the Cougar defense to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. The Lion’s defense held their lead until halftime.

After several halftime adjustments, the Cougars came out playing very strong in the second half, pushing forward to create a number of good scoring opportunities. Midway through the half Juan Robayo was able to get in behind the Emmanuel defense off an assist from Daniel Mauro, and he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to even the match at 1-1. The match was very physical, and with 10 minutes to go, the referee showed the red card to Jacob Primm on a rough tackle which gave the Cougars a man advantage for the remainder of the match. The Cougars and Lions continued to play great defense throughout the rest of the 2nd half and the first overtime. Late in the 2nd overtime Juan Robayo beat his defender and played a great ball across the goal mouth that looked like it might be the game winner but Tyler Spraul couldn’t finish.

For the match, the Cougars outshot Emmanuel 12-6. This was Clearwater’s 3rd tie of the season, giving them a record of 7-1-3. The Cougars are currently ranked third in the nation and will be in action again on Thursday, October 15 as they travel to face Florida College.