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CCSU's Westhuizen named to All-Southeast Region squad; Capazario and Casebeer named to Second Team

Morrow, GA--December 7, 2001-- For the second season in a row, a trio of players from the Clayton College & State Univeristy men's soccer team have been recognized by the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America (NSCAA) with All-Southeast Region honors.

Goalkeeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa), midfielder Marco Capazario (Johannesburg, South Africa) and forward Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX) were all named to the All-Region teams. By being named to the teams, the players are eligible for All-American honors later this month.

The trio have helped guide the Lakers the past two seasons to a combined 29-7-6 record, the 2000 Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship, the 2001 Peach Belt Conference regular season title and two trips to the 16-team NCAA Championships.

Weshuizen was named First Team All-Southeast Region this year after last year being named Second Team. Clayton State's all-time leader in shutouts with 31 in his career, he finished the season with a .78 goals against average, which ranked among the top five goalkeepers in the nation. He also recorded 10 shutouts in 20 matches.

Warren is a two-time All-PBC selection and had the fourth best GAA in Division II in 2000. His 14 shutouts in 2000 rank fourth all-time in Division II for a single season, and he also ranks among the nation's leaders in career goals against average and shutout percentage.

Capazario and Casebeer were named to the Second Team All-Southeast Region squad. The honor is a first for Capazario, while Casebeer was named First Team in 2000.

Marco, who was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2001, is a four-year starter for the Lakers. He is Clayton State's all-time leader in matches started (73) and matches played (78).

His biggest contribution this season came on defense where he helped Clayton State hold opponents to a PBC league-low 0.78 goals against average and a league-high 10 shutouts. Capazario also scored two goals in the team's regular season championship clinching match against the University of North Carolina Pembroke.

Casebeer, CCSU's leading scorer on the season, ranked among the PBC leaders with nine goals and five assists in 18 matches this season. Last year, he was named to the All-PBC and All-PBC Tournament teams along with being named to the All-Southeast Region squad after scoring 19 goals.

Clayton State finished this season with an 11-4-5 record after falling in double overtime to Lander University in the first round of the NCAA Championships.

Lander defeats CCSU 2-1 in two overtimes;
  advances to NCAA Elite Eight

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- November 10, 2001--It was a match up featuring the Peach Belt Conference's best offense against the league's best defense. The match took two overtimes to be decided, but in the end, the offense prevailed.

Two minutes into the second overtime, Lander University's Mikko Kotailainen fired a 20-yard shot through the Clayton College & State University defense that found the upper left corner of the net, giving the Senators a 2-1 double overtime victory over Clayton State in the first round of the NCAA Championships.

The win advances 16^th-ranked Lander (18-3) to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Championships where the Senators will face the University of Tampa. The match will be played either on November 17^th or November 18^th at Tampa. The loss ends eighth-ranked Clayton State's season at 11-4-5.

"These two teams play very contrasting styles with our offense and their defense, said Lander head coach Van Taylor. "I knew it would be a game of inches either way, and that's what it turned out to be. It was a very good game."

Said Clayton State head coach John Rootes, "We've been in overtimes all season long. And what has happened to us is that we get tired and break down. That's what happened today. We were pleased to get as far as we did this season."

Lander jumped out to an early lead 16 minutes into the match as junior forward Jaime Creaghan (Sheffield, England) scored a goal off a keeper deflection from less than 10 yards. Kotilainen (Lappeenranta, Finland) was credited with the assist.

Clayton State's best chance to score in the half came 25 minutes into play as junior Stephen Hughes (McDonough, GA) had a one-on-one with sophomore Senator keeper Matthew Shirley (Greenwood, SC) only have his shot off the mark wide.

In the second half, the Lakers knotted the score at 1-1 at the 60-minute mark on a header by junior Josh Miller (Jonesboro, GA). The shot came off a throw-in from Hughes.

"We had a lot of injuries coming into this game - including our two best players," said Rootes. "That forced us to play a lot of freshmen today. "In the second half, we moved players around to try and generate some sort of attack. We did a better job of putting together passes and tried to press them a little bit."

The Senators best scoring opportunity in the second half came when Creaghan corralled a loose ball and had a one-on-one with Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) only to be denied after a diving save by Westhuizen.

In the first overtime, Lander's Kotilainen had a couple of scoring opportunities but couldn't covert. His first came early in the overtime on a diving save by Westhuizen, while his second opportunity came with 30 seconds remaining on a shot that hit the cross bar.

"Both teams were pushing each other all day long," said Lander forward Scott Montgomery (Penicuik, Scotland). "I knew something was going to give."

Lander outshot the Lakers 18-9 in the match and had nine corner kicks compared to only four for the Lakers. Westhuizen finished with nine saves in the match, while Shirley had four.

On the last goal Westhuizen said, "We were a little bit tired after 100 minutes of playing. We also had a lot of youngsters on the field and in situations like that, experience; that's the winner. That's the team that wins, that can bring the most experience."

Said Kotilainen, "Given what we've gone through against this team the past two years, its very sweet to come in here and win. This was the game we wanted to play last season, and we had to come back all the way to this point."

Clayton State had won the last three meetings between the two clubs, including a 3-2 win earlier this year. Lander's win gives them a 4-3 edge in the all-time series. The NCAA appearance for Clayton State was its second appearance in as many years. Last year's first round NCAA match against Francis Marion had to be settled on penalty kicks after four overtimes. FMU prevailed 5-3 in the shootout.

#####

Morrow, GA-- November 5, 2001-- For the second year in a row, the Clayton College & State University men's soccer team has received a bid to the 16-team NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championships.

The only difference this season, the Lakers will be the host team.

Clayton State received its bid on Monday and will host Peach Belt Conference foe Lander University in a 1 p.m. match on Saturday, Nov. 10. The winner of Saturday's match will advance the NCAA quarterfinals the next week.

Clayton State (11-3-5) is coming off a 1-0 double-overtime loss in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals Saturday after winning its first ever Peach Belt Conference regular season title earlier this season. Lander (16-3), the second place finisher in the Peach Belt, is coming off a 2-1 loss to USC Spartanburg in the PBC Tournament finals on Sunday.

The Lakers defeated Lander 3-2 earlier this year and have won the last three matches between the two clubs. However, Lander is 11-2 since Clayton State's win earlier this year, while the Lakers are 5-3-3.

The match-up will be a battle between the Peach Belt's top offense in Lander and the PBC's best defense in Clayton State. The Senators have scored a PBC best 51 goals on the season, while the Lakers have surrendered a league low 15 goals on the year.

The Senators' All-PBC scoring tandem of Scott Montogmery and Mikko Kotilainen led the conference in scoring as both had double-digit goals and assists on the season. Montgomery had 15 goals and 10 assists, while Kotilainen had 11 goals and 11 assists.

Clayton State had the PBC's lowest goals against average on the season at .73 per match and recorded a league best 10 shutouts on the year. All-PBC keeper Warren van der Westhuizen, All-PBC Tournament sweeper Alex Dowling and PBC Player of the Year Marco Capazario anchor the Laker defense.

Last year in Clayton State's first-ever NCAA Tournament match, the Lakers lost in an epic battle against Francis Marion. The match a 1-1 tie, went four overtimes and had to be settled on penalty kicks, where Francis Marion prevailed 5-3.

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- November 3, 2001--The University of South Carolina Spartanburg's Preben Ringerike fired a 10-yard shot beyond the outstretched arms of Clayton College & State University keeper Warren van der Westhuizen in the second minute of the second 15-minute overtime to lift the Rifles to a 1-0 victory over the Lakers in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals Saturday.

The win advances the 22^nd-ranked Rifles (13-5-1), the No. 5 seed in the tourney, to the 2 p.m. Sunday PBC Tournament final at Clayton State. USCS will face 13^th -ranked Lander in the finals, as the No. 2 seeded Senators defeated UNCP in the other semifinal match. Eighth-ranked CCSU (11-3-5), the tourney's No. 1 seed and last year's tournament champion, will now have to wait and see if it will receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

In Saturday's semifinal match both teams were deadlocked for more than 105 minutes before sophomore Ringerike (Oslo, Norway) came up with the game-winning score. The shot was set-up on a cross from senior Hasse Eranka (Mikkeli, Finland).

The match was a defensive struggle throughout with both teams combining for only 15 shots. USCS finished with nine shots, while Clayton State had six. Clayton State junior keeper Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) finished with four saves, while Spartanburg junior keeper John Andrew Rousseau (Prince Edward Island, Canada) also had four saves.

Clayton State's best opportunity to score came midway through the second half when Clayton State junior All-PBC performer Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX) beat keeper Rousseau to the end line for a ball and then tried to cross to freshman David Dowling (Benoni, South Africa) on an open net. However, the pass didn't make it through as a USCS defender rushed back to break up the play.

The match was a physical one as Spartanburg was whistled for 18 fouls, while Clayton State committed 10.

##CCSU##

Game Stats
Pembroke, NC--October 27, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team made history Saturday, sewing up its first ever Peach Belt Conference regular season championship with a 2-0 win over the University of North Carolina Pembroke.

The regular season championship for the ninth-ranked Lakers comes on the heels of the program capturing its first-ever PBC Tournament Championship in 2000.

As conference champion, the Lakers will host the semifinals and finals of the 2001 PBC Conference Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3-4. The league's No. 1 seed, the Lakers will receive a bye in the first round before playing in the semifinals on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

With the win, the Lakers have a 11-2-5 record overall and a 5-0-1 mark in the Peach Belt, while UNC Pembroke drops to 9-6-1 overall and 2-4 in the conference. The win also kept the Lakers from having to finish a match against Francis Marion that was suspended as a tie.

After a scoreless first half in Saturday's match, Clayton State took a 1-0 lead as senior Marco Capazario (Johannesburg, South Africa) headed the ball into the back of the net off an assist by freshman Desmond Martin (Benoni, South Africa) at the 52:25 mark.

Capazario provided the Lakers some insurance at the 77:16 mark as he once again scored off a corner kick, rising above the Brave defense for a score off an assist from junior Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX).

The Lakers outshot Pembroke 13-12 in the match and Clayton State junior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) had 10 saves, en route to his 10 shutout of the season.

--CCSU--

CCSU defeats USCS to clinch share of Peach Belt
Game Stats
Spartanburg, SC--October 23, 2001-- The 9^th ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team clinched at least a share of the 2001 Peach Belt Conference men's regular season title Tuesday, defeating the 22^nd ranked University of South Carolina Spartanburg 1-0.

The win gives the Lakers a 10-2-5 record overall and a 4-0-1 mark in the Peach Belt with only league match remaining as the club will travel to the University of North Carolina Pembroke on Saturday. A win over UNCP secures the Lakers' first-ever PBC regular season crown after the program won the PBC Tournament last year.

By virtue of holding the tiebreaker advantage against second place Lander, Clayton State has already locked up home field advantage for the Peach Belt Conference Tournament next week. The Lakers will receive a bye from first round matches, which are hosted by the higher seed, followed by hosting the semifinals and finals at Laker Field.

In Tuesday's match, the Lakers took advantage of a USC Spartanburg mistake in second half, en route to its game-winning goal.

USCS goalkeeper John Andrew Rousseau picked up a loose ball in the box and sprinted forward preparing to punt, however, he crossed over the line and out of the 18 box, giving CCSU a free kick. Des Martin took the free kick and put the shot away to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead in the 72nd-minute.

USCS had a couple of scoring opportunities, but Laker keeper Warren Van Der Westhuizen kept the Rifles scoreless with six saves in the match as he recorded his ninth shutout of the season. Spartanburg outshot the Lakers 8-6 but trailed in corner kicks 6-5.

Lakers defeat SCAD 2-0 in men's soccer action

Game Stats
Savannah, GA--October 19, 2001-- The 13th ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team posted its ninth win of the season Friday, defeating the Savannah College of Art and Design 2-0.

Up next, the Lakers will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Tuesday, traveling to the University of South Carolina Spartanburg for a 7 p.m. match. With the loss, the Bees fell to 8-4-2.

After the teams battled to a scoreless draw in the first half, Clayton State got its first score at 55:38 on Michael Lynch's first goal of the season. Lynch scored after SCAD goalkeeper Michael Shuleva couldn't hold on to the ball after he had knocked down a shot by Desmond Martin. Lynch got to the ball before Shuleva did and gave the Lakers a 1-0 lead.

Clayton State added an insurance goal with less than 10 minutes remaining when Marco Capazario served the ball in to Barry Casebeer, who kicked the ball into the right corner of the net. It was Casebeer's team-leading ninth goal of the season.

Warren van der Westhuizen recorded his eighth shutout of the season for the Lakers as he recorded two saves.

--CCSU--

Laker soccer team ties Francis Marion

Game Stats
Morrow, GA--October 13, 2001-- A short-handed Clayton College & State University men's soccer team gutted out a scoreless tie against Francis Marion University in Peach Belt Conference soccer action Saturday.

Clayton State playing without five starters had a couple of scoring opportunities but was unable to convert. Freshman Desmond Martin (Benoni, South Africa) had a chance in the second half, heading a shot off a corner kick only to have senior FMU keeper Mike Frazee (Knoxville, TN) snag the attempt with a diving save. A few minutes later Frazee had another diving save off a shot from sophomore Brad Havenga (Johannesburg, South Africa).

The Lakers outshot Francis Marion 17-9 in the match and had eight corner kicks compared to six for the Patriots. Frazee finished with eight saves and posted his fifth shutout, while Clayton State junior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) had three saves and posted his seventh shutout.

The tie marks the Lakers' fifth tie of the season, a new record, and gives the club an 8-2-5 overall record and a 3-0-1 mark in the conference. Francis Marion now has a 6-4-3 record and a 1-0-1 record in the league. Both teams agreed to declare the match a draw after 90 minutes of play.

Up next, Clayton State will travel to Savannah College of Art and Design for a match on Friday, while Francis Marion will travel to the University of North Carolina Pembroke on Wednesday.

Clayton State falls 4-1 to St. Thomas University

Game Stats
MIAMI, Fla. -- The seventh-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team dropped its second match of the season Sunday, falling to St. Thomas University 4-1.

The loss drops CCSU's record to 8-2-4, while St. Thomas improves to 3-7-1. The Lakers will return to the field Saturday, October 13, facing off against Peach Belt Conference foe Francis Marion University in a 2 p.m. match.

St. Thomas jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as sophomore Fernando Valenzuela scored an unassisted goal 16 minutes into the match. The Bobcats increased their lead to 2-0 six minutes later as freshman Romaro Francis scored the first of his two goals off assists from sophomore Hagay Louk and freshman Clayon Car.

Clayton cut the deficit to 2-1 at the 34-minute mark as freshman Matt Miller (Jonesboro, GA) scored an unassisted goal. The score gives Miller three goals on the season.

In the second half, St. Thomas added two more insurance goals. The first goal came at the 71-minute mark as junior Christian Campo scored a goal off assists from Valenzuela and Louk. The final goal came with a minute remaining in the match as Francis scored off assists from senior Renatto Soriano and freshman Chris Moyssidis.

St. Thomas outshot the Lakers 24-16 in the match but had only five corner kicks compared to six for CCSU. Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) finished with seven saves, while junior Jorgen Gunnarsson finished with two saves.

The match was a physical one as Clayton State was whistled for 21 fouls, while St. Thomas committed 19.

###CCSU###

Seventh-ranked Clayton State and second-ranked
Barry University battle to overtime tie

Game Stats
MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- The seventh-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team posted its fourth tie of the season Saturday, battling second-ranked Barry University to a 1-1 double overtime tie at Buccaneer Field.

After maintaining possession of the ball for the majority of the first half, Barry pocketed its first and only goal of the match at the 63:45 mark as forward Alen Marcina scored off a short pass from senior defender Jacobi Goodfellow to give the Buccaneers to a 1-0 lead.

However, Clayton State answered 85 minutes into the match as forward Brad Havenga challenged Barry keeper Ron Goguen and was able to slip the ball past the charging Goguen to even the score 1-1 and to send the game into overtime.

Despite their efforts, both teams remained scoreless after the first overtime period and came into the second overtime period blazing. With time counting down in the second overtime, play became more intensified with each team receiving two cautions and one ejection.

Barry keeper Ron Goguen and Warren van der Westhuizen posted three saves each.

The tie gives Clayton State an 8-1-4 record, while Barry now stands at 7-1-3.

--CCSU--

Clayton State and Thomas University
battle to two overtime scoreless tie

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- October 1, 2001-- Clayton College & State University and Thomas University battled to a two overtime scoreless tie Monday in men's soccer action at the Henry County Soccer Complex.

The tie gives Clayton State an 8-1-3 record on the season and Thomas a 5-3-1 mark. Up next, the Lakers, ranked seventh in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll released Monday, will travel to face-off against the nation's No. 2 ranked team Barry University in Miami Shores, FL. The match will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

In Monday's match, the Lakers outshot Thomas 26-14 in the 120-minute match but were unable to put the ball in the net.

Two of the team's best chances came in the second half when CCSU junior Michael Lynch (Sheffield, England) had a shot from 30 yards out deflect off the top of the goal post. The other came later as junior Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX) had a shot sail too high after beating the keeper. The squad also had an opportunity in the first overtime period off a corner kick with several players taking shots in the box only to have freshman TU keeper Jonathan Mobley (Hinesville, GA) come up with the save.

Thomas' best opportunity came in the second half as freshman Stephen Place (Dublin, Ireland) drilled a shot from 20 yards out that headed for the upper right corner of the goal until Clayton State junior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) made a diving save.

Westhuizen had seven saves in the match and recorded his sixth shutout of the season, increasing his Clayton State record of career shutouts to 27. Thomas' Mobley finished with nine saves in the match.

The match was a physical one as the Night Hawks were whistled for 18 fouls, compared to 15 for Clayton State.

The tie keeps the all-time series between Clayton State and Thomas University tied at 2-2-2.

--CCSU--

Clayton State defeats North Florida 1-0

Game Stats
Jacksonville, FL-- September 29, 2001-- The sixth-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team improved to 3-0 in the Peach Belt Conference Saturday, defeating the University of North Florida 1-0.

Junior Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX) scored the game-winning goal 68 minutes into the match off an assist from freshman Matt Miller (Jonesboro, GA). The goal was Casebeer's team-leading eighth of the season.

The win improves Clayton State to 8-1-2 overall, while North Florida falls to 3-3-2 and 1-2 in the Peach Belt. The Lakers will return to action Monday, hosting Thomas University in a 7 p.m. match at the Henry County Soccer Complex.

Clayton State outshot the Ospreys 12-8 in the match and had six corner kicks compared to four for North Florida. Junior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) recorded his fifth shutout of the season and increased his Clayton State record of career shutouts to 26. North Florida junior goalie Ryan Carpenter (Orange Park, FL) finished with three saves.

The match was a physical one as Clayton State was whistled for 20 fouls, while North Florida committed 18.

The Clayton State win avenges a 1-0 overtime loss to the Ospreys last season.

--CCSU--

Clayton State falls to Berry College 2-0

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- September 26, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team had a 17-game unbeaten streak snapped Wednesday, falling to Berry College 2-0 at Laker Field.

The loss drops the sixth-ranked Lakers to 7-1-2 on the season, while Berry improves to 7-3 on the year. Up next, Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference action, traveling to the University of North Florida for a 7:30 p.m. match on Saturday.

After a scoreless first half, the Vikings broke the scoring drought at the 69-minute mark as junior Manolo Schurmann (Frankfurt, Germany) drilled a shot in the upper right corner of the goal past the outstretched arms of Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen. The goal was set-up on a cross from senior Steve Young (Newcastle, England).

Berry added some insurance 12 minutes later and with eight minutes remaining in the match as Young converted a penalty kick, giving the Vikings a 2-0 lead.

The Vikings outshot Clayton State 16-5 in the match and had five corner kicks compared to only two for the Lakers.

Junior CCSU goalie Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) finished with seven saves in the match, while freshman Byron Schueneman (Woodstock, GA) finished with one save.

The Berry win avenges a 1-0 overtime loss to Clayton State last year.

--CCSU--

Clayton State soccer team
climbs to 6^th in national rankings

Morrow, GA--- September 26, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team made a giant leap in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll released Wednesday, climbing eight spots to a sixth place ranking in the country.

The No. 6 ranking is the highest national ranking ever by a Clayton State athletic team. The Lakers are currently 7-0-2 on the season and riding a 17-game unbeaten streak, dating back to last season.

Clayton State is one of three Peach Belt Conference teams ranked in the Top 25. In addition to the Lakers, Lander University is ranked 14^th and the University of South Carolina Spartanburg is ranked 21^st. The Lakers defeated Lander earlier this season 3-2, and at the time, the Senators were ranked seventh in the country.

Clayton State also sits atop the NSCAA Southeast Region poll, followed by Lander, USC Spartanburg, Belmont Abbey and Lees-McRae.

CCSU currently has the nation's sixth best and PBC's second-ranked defense with a 0.72 goals against average and the PBC's third best offense, averaging 2.44 goals per game. Junior Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX) leads the PBC in scoring, averaging almost a goal a contest, while junior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) has the nation's 11^th best and the league's second-ranked goals against average.

Last season, the Lakers finished with an 18-3-1 record and a final NSCAA ranking of 14^th .

Clayton State defeats Lenior-Rhyne 2-0

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- September 22, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team chalked up its seventh win of the season, defeating Lenoir-Rhyne 2-0 Saturday at Laker Field.

The win improves Clayton State to 7-0-2 on the season and increases the team's unbeaten streak to 17 matches, dating back to last season, while LHC falls to 1-6. The Lakers will return to action Wednesday, hosting Berry College in a 5 p.m. match.

The 14^th-ranked Lakers jumped out to an early lead as freshman Matt Miller, Jonesboro, GA, scored five minutes into the match on an assist from junior Barry Casebeer, Austin, TX. The goal was Miller's second on the season, while the assist gives Casebeer four on the year.

Clayton State added its second goal 30 minutes later as Casebeer scored his seventh goal of the season on an assist from freshman David Dowling, Benoni, South Africa. The assist was Dowling's third of the year.

Junior CCSU keeper Warren van der Westhuizen, Johannesburg, South Africa, recorded his fourth shutout of the season and finished with seven saves, while LHC sophomore goalie Tom Skora had six saves. Both teams finished with 14 shots and Clayton State had five corner kicks compared to four the Bears.

--CCSU--

No. 14 Clayton State defeats
No. 7 Lander in men's soccer action

Game Stats
Greenwood, SC-- September 15, 2001-- Clayton College & State University and Lander University, two of the top-ranked teams in the nation and two of the heavyweights of the Peach Belt Conference, met in a soccer showdown Saturday night, and the match lived up to all the hype.

With less than two minutes remaining, Clayton State junior Barry Casebeer broke a 2-2 tie, converting a penalty kick to give the 14^th-ranked Lakers a 3-2 win over PBC foe and seventh-ranked Lander.

"It was a great match," said head coach John Rootes. "We showed a lot of character coming back in the second half. I didn't think we played our best soccer in the first half, but we hung in there and came back in the second half."

Clayton State improved to 6-0-2 and 2-0 in the conference with the win, while Lander dropped to 5-1 and 1-1 in the PBC. Before the match, the two teams were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the Southeast Region poll. The win also increased CCSU's unbeaten streak to 16 matches, dating back to last season. The Lakers will return to action Saturday, September 22, hosting Lenior-Rhyne College in a 4 p.m. match.

After a scoreless first half, Clayton State jumped out a 1-0 lead as freshman Des Martin, Benoni, South Africa, converted a penalty kick 53 minutes into the match.

Lander bounced back to take a 2-1 advantage when freshman Peter Martisek, Bratislava, Slovakia, scored a goal at the 59-minute mark on an assist from junior Mikko Kotilainen, Lappeenranta, Finland, followed by senior Thomas Nupen, Kristiansand, Norway, striking six minutes later for a goal on a double assist from Martisek and sophomore Thierry Decoud, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Casebeer, Clayton State's leading scorer on the season, answered at the 74-minute mark on an unassisted goal, knotting the score at two apiece before converting the game-winning penalty kick 14 minutes later.

Lander outshot the Lakers, 13-8, and was led by Jamie Creaghan, Sheffield, England, with five shots, while Casebeer, Austin, TX, have five for Clayton State. The Senators also led in corner kicks 7-1.

Junior CCSU goalkeeper Warren van der Westhuizen, Johannesburg, South Africa, had four saves, while Lander's sophomore goalie Matthew Shirley, Greenwood, SC, had three.

The Clayton State win marked the first time the Lakers had ever won a match at Lander and tied the series between the two clubs at three apiece. Clayton State has won the last three meetings between the two teams.

--CCSU--

Clayton State ties Tusculum 1-1

Game Stats
Banner Elk, NC-- September 9, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team kept its unbeatean streak intact but was unable to pull out a victory Sunday, tying Tusculum College 1-1 in the Lees McRae College/Holiday Inn Shootout.

The tie gives Clayton State a 5-0-2 record on the season and maintains a 15-match unbeaten streak, dating back to last season. The club will return to action Saturday, September 15, traveling to face Peach Belt Conference foe Lander University in a 7 p.m. match.

Both goals in the double overtime match were scored in regulation play on penalty kicks. Tusculum College's Scott Hanger, a junior from Brisbane, Australia, converted a penalty kick for handball in the box committed by Clayton State 43 minutes into the match.

Freshman Des Martin, Benoni, South Africa, scored on penalty kick 71 minutes into the match on a foul in the box by Tusculum. The goal was Martin's second of the tournament.

Clayton State outshot Tusculum 12-7 in the match and was led by junior Barry Casebeer's five shots. Sophomore David Ormesher, Brisbane Australia, had six shots for the Pioneers.

Laker keeper Warren van der Westhuizen, a junior from Johannesburg, South Africa, finished with three saves in the match, while Tony Swaminathan, a junior from Ontario, Canada, had six saves for Tusculum.

.

--CCSU--

Clayton State blanks Catawba 4-0

Game stats
Banner Elk, NC-- September 8, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team improved to 5-0-1 on the season, defeating Catawba College 4-0 in the Lees McRae College/Holiday Inn Shootout Saturday.

The 14^th-ranked Lakers scored twice in the first half and tacked on two more goals in the second half for the win.

Junior Barry Casebeer (Austin, TX) scored the team's first goal off an assist from senior Brent Williams (McDonough, GA) 36 minutes into the match. The team added another goal 10 minutes later as David Dowling (Benoni, South Africa) added a goal off a cross from Casebeer.

The Lakers added some insurance in the second half as freshman Desmond Martin (Benoni, South Africa) and freshman Brian Jones (Conyers, GA) each scored goals.

The Lakers will return to action Sunday in the tournament, facing Tusculum College on Sunday at 1 p.m.

--CCSU--

Clayton State defeats Presbyterian
Game Stats
Clinton, SC-- September 5, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team improved to 4-0-1 on the season, defeating Presbyterian College 2-1 in men's soccer action Wednesday.

The 14^th-ranked Lakers took an early 1-0 lead as junior forward Barry Casebeer, Austin, TX, scored an unassisted goal just seconds before halftime.

Clayton State extended its lead to 2-0 in the 65^th minute as sophomore midfielder Brad Havenga, Johannesburg, South Africa, scored a goal off an assist from Casebeer.

With seven minutes remaining in the match, PC's Steven Replogle, Grayson, GA, cut the deficit to 2-1 with a goal off an assist from Jarrett Todd, Columbia, SC, but that was as close as the Blue Hose would come.

Clayton State outshot Presbyterian 10-8 and had eight corner kicks compared to only three for the Blue Hose. Freshman Desmond Martin, Benoni, South Africa, and Casebeer each had three shots in the match.

CCSU goalie Warren van der Westhuizen, Johannesburg, South Africa, recorded three saves, while PC's senior keeper Andy Pfaffl, Columbia, SC, finished with four saves.

The Lakers will return to action Saturday, traveling to Banner Elk, NC, for a tournament at Lees-McRae College. The Lakers will face Catawba College at 2 p.m. on Saturday, followed by Tusculum College on Sunday at 2 p.m.

--CCSU--

Clayton St. defeats Spring Hill 4-0

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- September 3, 2001-- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team spread its "goal-scoring" work between four players in a Labor Day matchup against Spring Hill College and cruised to a 4-0 victory over its non-conference opponent from Mobile, AL.

The win improves Clayton State to 3-0-1 on the season. The Lakers will return to the action on Wednesday, traveling to Presbyterian College in a 7 p.m. a non-conference match.

The Lakers jumped out to a 1-0 lead as freshman Matt Miller, Jonesboro, GA, scored his first-ever collegiate goal 15 minutes into the match. The goal came on an assist from senior Brent Williams, McDonough, GA, his first of the year.

After taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, the Lakers added a trio of second half goals, the first coming at the 57-minute mark off the foot of junior Stephen Hughes, Hampton, GA, his first goal of the year.

Less than two minutes later, freshman Desmond Martin, Benoni South Africa, gave Clayton State a 3-0 lead, scoring his first goal of the season on a pass from junior Barry Casebeer, Austin, TX, his first assist of the season. Casebeer got into the scoring act at the 63-minute mark, registering his second goal of the season on an assist from sophomore Brad Havenga, Johannesburg, South Africa, his first assist of the year.

Clayton State controlled the match, outshooting the Badgers 19-11 and taking eight corner kicks compared to five for Spring Hill. Martin finished with five shots, followed by Casebeer with four.

CCSU goalie Warren van der Westhuizen, Johannesburg, South Africa, recorded his second shutout of the season and had five saves. Spring Hill sophomore goalie Greg Schinker (Pensacola, FL) also finished with five saves.

--CCSU--

Clayton State and
Mars Hill battle to 1-1 tie

Game Stats
Morrow, GA-- September 1, 2001-- Both the Clayton College & State University and the Mars Hill College men's soccer teams entered Saturday's match undefeated.

And both teams remained undfeated after Saturday's double-overtime match that ended in a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes of play at Laker Field. The tie gives both clubs a 2-0-1 record on the season. The Lakers will return to action Monday, hosting Spring Hill College in a 3 p.m. match.

Mars Hill jumped out to an early lead as senior D.J. Jenkinson (Knoxville, TN) blasted a shot in the upper left corner of the goal past the outstretched arms of CCSU goalie Warren van der Westhuizen 21 minutes into the match. The shot came off of a deflected shot that Jenkinson had taken only moments earlier.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Lakers answered at the 74-minute mark of the second half as senior Brent Williams, McDonough, GA, scored his first goal of the season on a pass from freshman David Dowling, Benoni, South Africa, his second assist of the season.

Clayton State controlled the match in the second half and both overtime periods but was unable to finish offensively. The Lakers outshot Mars Hill 26-10 in the final 75 minutes (second half and both overtimes).

Freshman Desmond Martin, Benoni, South Africa finished with eight shots, followed by Williams, junior Michael Lynch, Athens, GA, and Dowling with five shots apiece. Senior Sergio Vazquez (West Valley UT) led Mars Hill with three shots.

MHC junior goalie Josh Bruce (Canton, GA) finished the match with 14 saves, while Westhuizen, Johannesburg, South Africa, finished with seven saves.

CCSU outshot Mars Hill 34-15 in the match and took 15 corner kicks compared to five for the Lions. The match was a physical one as Mars Hill was whistled for 18 fouls, and the Lakers committed 14.

--CCSU--

Lakers defeat Aiken 2-0 in Peach Belt action Wed.

Game Stats

Morrow, GA-- August 29, 2001--A first half goal by Barry Casebeer and a second half goal by David Dowling was all the Clayton College & State University Laker soccer team needed Wednesday in posting its first Peach Belt Conference victory of the season, defeating the University of South Carolina Aiken 2-0.

Casebeer, a junior from Austin, TX, and the team's leading scorer last year, got the Lakers on the scoreboard 18 minutes into match on a pass from freshman Desmond Martin, Benoni, South Africa.

After taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, Dowling, a forward from Benoni, South Africa, provided the team some insurance, scoring a goal with nine minutes remaining in the match. The score, Dowling's third in two games, was set-up on a pass from senior Dean Ronnie, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The win improved the Lakers to 2-0 and 1-0 in the conference, while USCA drops to 0-2 and 0-1 in the PBC. Up next, Clayton State will host Mars Hill College in a 5 p.m. match on Saturday, September 1.

Aiken outshot CCSU 15-12 in the match and had five corner kicks compared to only three for Clayton State.

Junior goalie Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) recorded his first shutout of the season and posted seven saves. USCA sophomore goalie Peter Calabrese (Spring Hill, FL) finished with five saves.

The match was a physical one, as the Lakers racked up 14 fouls compared to nine for Aiken.

--CCSU--

Lakers defeat Montevallo in season opener
David Dowling scores two goals in 3-2 win
Game Stats

Morrow, GA-- August 25, 2001--Clayton College & State University freshman David Dowling made a fine impression in his CCSU soccer debut Saturday.

Dowling, a forward from Benoni, South Africa, scored two goals and assisted on a third to lead the Lakers to a season-opening 3-2 win over the University of Montevallo at Laker Field.

The Lakers (1-0) jumped out to any early 1-0 lead as sophomore midfielder Shaun Baddock, Randhurst, South Africa, scored a goal 17 minutes into the match on an assist by Dowling.

Five minutes later, Dowling headed a shot into the upper left corner of the net past the outstretched arms of keeper Corey Jones (Homewood, AL). The goal was set-up on a cross by senior Marco Capazario, a midfielder from Johannesburg, South Africa.

With less than two minutes in the first half, Dowling added his second goal, giving the Lakers a 3-0 lead. Freshman forward Brian Jones, from Conyers, GA, was credited with the assist.

Montevallo (0-1) came storming back in the second half, thanks to the play of senior forward Bassam Karim (Nairobi, Kenya). He scored both of the team's goals, the first coming on a penalty kick 58 minutes into the match. Karim added his second goal at the 74-minute mark on an assist by freshman Kevin Garneys (Billercay, England).

CCSU outshot Montevallo 16-9 and had seven corner kicks compared to only two for the Falcons. UM goalkeeper Jones finished with six saves, while Clayton State goalie Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) had four.

The match was a physical one, as the Lakers racked up 18 fouls compared to nine for Montevallo.

Up next, the Lakers will open Peach Belt Conference play, hosting the University of South Carolina-Aiken in a 5 p.m. match on Wednesday, August 29.

--CCSU--