2002 Men's Soccer

MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s and women’s soccer seasons came to an end last month, and earlier this week, each team had a player recognized for their play during the 2002 season.

For the second year in a row, Clayton State junior Nkiru Okosieme (Onitsha, Nigeria) was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas All-Southeast Region team along with senior Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) from the men’s squad, who was named All-Southeast Region for the third straight year, the most-ever by a Clayton State player.

Okosieme, who has represented her native land of Nigeria in three World Cups, is one of Division II's most skillful players and finished the season with a team-leading 14 goals and eight assists on the year.

A two-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection, Okosieme finished the 2002 season as the third leading scorer in the league and third in points per contest. She had five multi-goal games this season, increasing her total to 16 in her two-year career.

She finished the 2001 season as the second-leading scorer in the nation and broke PBC records in the following categories: goals in a season, 33; goals in a match 4; points in a season, 72; points in a match, 8; game-winning goals, 9; shots in a season, 117; and shots in a match, 13.

Okosieme helped lead the Lakers to their most successful season ever in the Peach Belt Conference with a third place finish in 2002. Clayton State advanced to the finals of the conference tournament before falling 1-0 to PBC champ and seventh-ranked Kennesaw State. The Laker season also included upset victories over two-nationally ranked teams in North Florida and Francis Marion.

Westhuizen, a three-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection, recently closed out a stellar career in goal for the Lakers and was one of the team’s leaders in elevating the Clayton State soccer program to national prominence over the last three seasons.

MORROW, GA --- For the third year in a row, the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer program had a trio players named to the Peach Belt All-Conference Team.

In 2002, senior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) was named to the squad for the third straight season along with senior Zuca Palladino (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and sophomore David Dowling (Benoni, South Africa) each recognized for the first time. Clayton State senior Stephen Hughes (Hampton, GA) was also recently named to the PBC All-Tournament team, following team’s first round match against Lander.

Westhuizen recently closed out a stellar career in goal for the Lakers and was one of the team’s leaders in elevating the Clayton State soccer program to national prominence over the last three seasons.

At 6-4, 190 lb., Westhuizen shattered both school and Peach Belt Conference records in goals against average, minutes played and shutouts for a single season and for a career. A four-year starter and a two-time All-Southeast Region selection, his career .71 goals against average ranks 11^th all-time in NCAA history and his .47 goals against average in 2000 ranks among the top 25 single-season best in NCAA history. His 37 career shutouts rank among the top 10 in NCAA history, while his 14 shutouts in 2000 rank third for a single season in NCAA history.

Warren had a stretch of playing over 5,500 straight minutes in goal (three seasons) for the Lakers. He helped lead Clayton State to a Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship, a Peach Belt Conference regular season Championship and two trips to the 16-team NCAA Championships. Over the last three seasons, the Lakers have a 41-11-7 record while he was in goal.

A 5-10, 154 lb. midfielder, Palladino was named to the All-PBC team in his first season at Clayton State after playing at Notre Dame College. Palladino led the PBC and finished the regular season with 17 assists, which ranked among the top five nationally.

Prior to playing at Clayton State, Palladino had 48 goals and 56 assists in his first three years of play at Notre Dame before the school dropped its soccer program. He has received All-American, All-Region, Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.

Dowling, a sophomore from Benoni, South Africa, was the team’s leading scorer with 12 goals on the season to go along with four assists. He ranked sixth in the PBC in goals scored this season.

A 6-0, 168 lb. forward, Dowling scored five goals and had one assist in the team’s 9-1 win over St. Andrews, breaking a school record for goals in a match. The performance also tied the Peach Belt Conference record for goals and tied for the most goals scored in a NCAA Division II match this season. His 11 points (five goals, one assist) also broke school and PBC records and ranks as the top scoring performance in Division II this year.

A 6-1, 170 lb. defender from Hampton, GA, Hughes is a four-year letterwinner at Clayton State. He played in 67 matches for the Lakers, which ranks among Clayton State’s all-time best and was a member of last year’s Peach Belt Conference Championship team, the 2000 PBC Tournament championship team and participated in two NCAA Tournaments.

Game Stats
CONYERS, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer season came to an end Wednesday in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, falling to Lander University 4-0 at the Rockdale Youth Association Soccerplex in Conyers.

Lander University’s Peter Martisek scored the game-winning goal 42 minutes into the match on a pass from Jack Thompson. Martisek’s shot just got past the outstretched arms of Laker keeper Warren van der Westhuizen and found the lower left side of the goal.

After intermission, the Senators added to their lead 10 minutes into play as Jamie Creaghan scored a goal from 20 yards out off another assist from Thompson. Lander’s Mikko Kotailainen gave the Senators a 3-0 lead in the 85^th minute on an unassisted goal, followed by Jamie McClendon scoring the final goal in the 87^th minute off an assist from Kotailainen.

With the win, the fifth-seeded Senators (11-7) will advance to the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament and face the host and No. 1 seed Francis Marion (15-4-1) at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Clayton State, the fourth seed in the tourney, ends its season with a 12-4-2 record.

Clayton State finished the match with 17 shots but only five of them were on goal, compared to Lander’s 14 shots, 11 of which were on goal. Lander keeper Matthew Shirley recorded the shutout and had five saves in the match. Clayton State keepers Westhuizen and Matt Jennings combined for seven saves.

The match, originally scheduled to be played on the campus of Clayton State in Morrow, GA, on Tuesday, was postponed and moved to the RYSA Soccerplex after heavy rain yesterday.

Game Stats
Aiken, SC----November 3, 2002---- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team secured a fourth place finish in the Peach Belt Conference, battling to scoreless two overtime tie against the University of South Carolina Aiken Saturday night.

With the tie, in the regular season finale, Clayton State finishes the regular season in fourth place in the PBC with a 2-2-2 record in league play. Fourteenth Clayton State (12-3-2) will return to action on Tuesday, hosting Lander University in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference tournament.

Shots were mostly even after 90 minutes of play with the Pacers holding a slim 12-9 edge. With 3:01 remaining in the first overtime, Clayton State’s Zuca Palladino fired a shot from inside the box that was deflected just wide of the goal. Fifteen seconds later, Michael Lynch's header went just to the right of the post.

The Lakers continued pressure in the first overtime when Pacer goalkeeper Peter Calabrese had to make a diving save on David Dowling's header with just inside a minute to play. Calabrese recorded five saves in his first shutout of the season.

Also playing well in net was Laker goalkeeper Matt Jennings. CCSU's All-Conference keeper Warren van der Westhuizen had played every minute of the last three years, but received a red card in the final 10 seconds at Tusculum earlier in the week. As a result, Jennings saw his first-ever collegiate action and recorded nine saves in the match.

USCA finished with 17 shots compared to 13 for the Lakers and had four corner kicks to Clayton State’s eight.

Game Stats
GREENEVILLE, TN --- The 14^th ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team dropped its third match of the season Wednesday and had its NCAA Division II Tournament chances take a severe blow, falling 3-0 to Southeast Region opponent Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN.

The loss drops Clayton State to 12-3-1 on the year, while Tusculum improves to 15-2-1 on the season. Clayton State entered the match ranked second in the latest S.E. Region poll, while Tusculum was fourth in the rankings. The top two teams from each region advance to the NCAA tourney.

Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, traveling to face Peach Belt Conference opponent the University of South Carolina Aiken in its regular season finale at 7 p.m. After Saturday’s matches, the Lakers will play in the first round of PBC tournament on Tuesday.

Tusculum took a 1-0 lead 24 minutes into the match as Scott Hanger scored on a header off a corner kick by Dave DeSouza. The Pioneers took a 2-0 lead at the 71-minute mark as DeSouza scored off an assist from Hanger. Tusculum added another goal in the final minute of the match on a penalty kick by Hanger.

Clayton State finished the match with nine shots and two corner kicks, compared to 14 shots and five corner kicks for the Pioneers. Laker keeper Warren van der Westhuizen finished the match with three saves, while Tusculum keeper Tony Swaminathan had two saves.

MORROW, GA --- Clayton College & State University men’s soccer player David Dowling had a record-breaking performance last week, scoring five goals against St. Andrews College, and this week he was recognized for his sparkling play in the match, being named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week.

Dowling, a sophomore from Benoni, South Africa, scored five goals and had one assist in the team’s 9-1 win over St. Andrews last Tuesday, breaking a school record for goals in a match. The performance also tied the Peach Belt Conference record for goals and tied for the most goals scored in a NCAA Division II match this season.

His 11 points (five goals, one assist) also broke school and PBC records and ranks as the top scoring performance in Division II this year. In addition to his performance against St. Andrews, Dowling also had a goal in the team’s 2-0 victory over PBC opponent the University of North Carolina Pembroke on Saturday.

Dowling’s five goals broke the Clayton State single game record of four goals in a match held by Clayton State senior Barry Casebeer (vs. Florida Southern, 2000), Jason Nidiffer (vs. North Georgia, 1995) and Todd Nidiffer (vs. Central Wesleyan, 1992). He joins Lander University’s Anton Brown and Stilian Shiskov for the Peach Belt Conference record of five goals in a match. Brown scored five in 1997 against Wingate and Sthiskov accomplished the feat twice, once in 1995 against the University of South Carolina-Aiken and once in 1994 against Francis Marion.

His 11 points in the match broke Nidiffer’s point record of 10 set against North Georgia in 1995. It also breaks the conference record for points in a match that was held by four players Brown, Shishkov, Nidiffer and the University of South Carolina Spartanburg’s Danny Rebuck (vs. Columbus in 1991).

Dowling, who leads the Lakers with 12 goals on the season, is the second Clayton State player to be named PBC Player of the Week this season. Senior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) received the honor on September 16.

Fourteenth-ranked Clayton State (12-2-1; 2-2-1) will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to face Tusculum College in an important Southeast Region match. Tusculum is currently ranked fourth behind second-ranked Clayton State in the region standings and lost to USC Spartanburg 3-2 in overtime last Friday.

Game Stats
MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team put an exclamation point on a perfect homecoming Saturday, defeating the University of North Carolina Pembroke 2-0 in Peach Belt Conference soccer action.

The win improves Clayton State to 12-2-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the Peach Belt, while the University of North Carolina Pembroke falls to 7-8 and 1-5 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, facing Tusculum College in an important Southeast Region match. Tusculum is currently ranked third behind Clayton State in the region standings and lost to USC Spartanburg 3-2 in overtime Friday. UNCP will return to action on Wednesday at Wingate.

Clayton State jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in Saturday’s match as Clayton State senior Zuca Palladino drilled a shot from 18 yards in the upper left corner of the goal just past the outstretched arms of UNCP keeper Alex Hall 10 minutes into the match.

The game remained scoreless for the next 70 minutes until David Dowling provided the Lakers some insurance, pocketing a goal off an assist from Palladino at the 81-minute mark. The goal was Dowling’s sixth in the last two matches and 12th of the season. Palladino, who leads the nation in assists, got his 17th assist on the play.

Clayton State controlled much of the play in the match, outshooting the Braves 28-1. UNCP played down a man for almost the entire match as a Brave player was whistled for a red card two minutes into the match after tackling Dowling on a breakaway just outside the box.

UNCP keeper Hall shined throughout the match with 10 saves, including several diving stops to prevent Laker goals. Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen posted his sixth shutout of the year, increasing his school and Peach Belt Conference career record total to 37.

Clayton State finished with 12 corner kicks compared to one for the Braves. The Lakers were whistled for 10 fouls compared to five for UNCP.

With the win, Clayton State evened the all-time series with the Braves 3-3.

Game Stats
LAURINBURG, NC --- Clayton College & State University’s David Dowling went into a scoring frenzy Tuesday afternoon, scoring a five goals and dishing off one assist to lead the 15^th ranked Laker soccer team to a 9-1 victory over St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, N.C.

Dowling’s five goals broke the Clayton State school record and tied a Peach Belt Conference record for goals in a match. The five-goal performance is also tied for the most goals in a single match in NCAA Division II this season. His 11 points (five goals, one assist) in the match broke the school and PBC record for points in a contest and is the top performance in Division II this year.

With the win, the Lakers improve to 11-2-1 on the season, while St. Andrews falls to 1-12-1. Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, hosting the University of North Carolina Pembroke for a 3 p.m. homecoming match.

Dowling, a sophomore, scored the first four goals of the contest, his first coming from eight yards at the 15-minute mark off an assist from Palladino. He pocketed another goal two minutes later off a rebound of his own shot to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead. Dowling scored his third goal in the 43^rd minute from eights yards out off a cross from freshman Joey Donato, followed by adding a fourth goal four minutes into the second half off an assist from Tuomo Poyry.

Clayton State senior Josh Miller got into the scoring act in the 61^st minute, scoring from 16 yards out off an assist from Dowling, followed by Dowling adding his fifth and final goal at the 75-minute mark off another assist from Donato.

Freshman Scott LeClerc scored an unassisted goal at the 77-minute mark, followed by Palladino scoring an unassisted goal forty seconds later that hit the post and bounced into the net to give the Lakers an 8-0 lead.

St. Andrews’ Valentine Baker prevented the Clayton State shutout in the 83^rd minute with a goal from 14 yards out off an assist from Bobby Dziewulski. Palladino closed out the Clayton State scoring in the 83^rd minute off a cross from sophomore Des Martin.

Dowling’s five goals give him 11 on the season and break the Clayton State single game record of four goals in a match held by Clayton State senior Barry Casebeer (vs. Florida Southern, 2000), Jason Nidiffer (vs. North Georgia, 1995) and Todd Nidiffer (vs. Central Wesleyan, 1992).

His 11 points in the match breaks Jason Nidiffer’s point record of 10 set against North Georgia in 1995. The team’s nine goals also ties the school record for goals in a match that was set earlier this season against Morehouse.

In addition to Dowling’s sparkling performance, Palladino scored two goals and added one assist in the match. His one assist gives him 15 in 14 matches, which leads the nation.

Clayton State finished the match with 23 shots compared to five for St. Andrews. CCSU keeper Warren van der Westhuizen had three saves compared to nine for St. Andrews’ Toby Neher.

Game Stats
MORROW, GA --- Clayton College & State University scored three first half goals to blank Savannah College of Art & Design 3-0 in men’s soccer action Friday afternoon at Laker Field.

With the win, the 14^th-ranked Lakers notched their 10^th win of the year, improving to 10-2-1 on the season. Clayton State will return to action on Tuesday, traveling to face St. Andrews in Lauringburg, NC. The loss drops SCAD to 3-10-1 on the year and will return to action on Sunday at Maryville in Maryville, TN.

Clayton State jumped out to an early lead in the match as sophomore David Dowling took advantage of a short kick by the keeper and drilled a shot from 18-yards over the goalie for a 1-0 lead. Dowling’s goal at the 11-minute mark was his sixth of the season.

Senior Aaron Hume gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead with his first goal of the season at the 23-minute mark, blasting a shot in the upper right of the goal off a cross from senior Zuca Palladino.

Sophomore Mark Coulter provided the Lakers a little insurance six minutes later, scoring his seventh goal of the season off another assist from Palladino. The two assists give Palladino 14 on the season, tying the single-season school record. Jason Nidiffer also had 14 assists in the 1995 season.

The Lakers finished with 24 shots and seven corner kicks compared to 10 shots and three corner kicks for the Bees. Senior Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen finished with four saves and posted his fifth shutout of the year, increasing his school and Peach Belt Conference career record total to 36. SCAD keeper Sam Wolgram finished with eight saves.

Each team committed 13 fouls in the match and Clayton State was whistled for offsides seven times compared to three times for SCAD.

Clayton State leads in the all-time series against SCAD 4-2. The Lakers’ final regular season home match will be Saturday, October 26, hosting Peach Belt Conference opponent the University of North Carolina Pembroke for homecoming.

Game Stats
MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team lost a heartbreaker Thursday afternoon, falling 1-0 in overtime to Peach Belt Conference rival the University of South Carolina Spartanburg.

USCS won the match, capitalizing on a penalty kick after a handball in the Clayton State box with 2:09 remaining in the first overtime. USCS’s Matt Uoti converted the penalty kick just beyond the outstretched arms of CCSU keeper Warren van der Westhuizen.

The scoring play was setup on a controversial call as CCSU senior Josh Miller attempted to block a USCS shot with his chest but was instead whistled for a handball in the Clayton State box. Miller defended the CCSU goal after Westhuizen had been pulled out defending the preceding USCS shot attempt.

With the loss, 14th-ranked Clayton State drops to 9-2-1 on the season and 1-2-1 in the conference. Fifth-ranked USCS improves to 12-1 and 3-1 in the league. Before Thursday’s match, the Rifles and Lakers were ranked first and second, respectively in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Southeast Region poll.

Clayton State will return to action on Friday, hosting the Savannah College of Art & Design in a 4 p.m. match, while USCS will stay in the Peach Belt, traveling to North Florida for a 1 p.m. contest on Sunday.

Thursday’s match featured the conference’s top offense in Spartanburg and the league’s best defense in Clayton State, and both teams relied on their strengths throughout the match.

The Rifles outshot Clayton State 26-9 in the match and had several scoring opportunities but the Lakers responded with save-after-save, evidenced by keeper Westhuizen’s season-high 14 saves in the match.

The Lakers’ best opportunity to score came late in the second half with 10 minutes remaining as Des Martin took a pass from Zuca Palladino and drilled a 20-yard shot that ricocheted off the lower right goal post.

Along with outshooting the Lakers, USCS had seven corner kicks compared to two for Clayton State. Rifle keeper John Andrew Rosseau had two saves and recorded the shutout, the team’s seventh of the season.

The match was a physical one as Clayton State was whistled for three yellow cards and 19 fouls, compared to USCS’s one yellow card and 16 fouls.

With the win, USCS improves its all-time series lead over Clayton State to 7-3. The last three Clayton State/USCS matches have ended in 1-0 affairs, two of them decided in overtime. USCS won last season in the Peach Belt Conference semifinals 1-0 in overtime after the Lakers won 1-0 during the regular season.

Game Stats
Florence, SC—October 13, 2002 --- The 10th ranked Clayton College & State men's soccer team dropped its first match of the season Sunday, falling to Peach Belt Conference rival Francis Marion 2-1.

The loss drops Clayton State to 9-1-1 and 1-1-1 in the PBC, while Francis Marion improves to 10-4 and 2-1 in the league with its seventh straight victory.

Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, hosting third-ranked University of South Carolina-Spartanburg in a 3 p.m. match that will be big for both teams. USCS and Clayton State were ranked first and second in the NSCAA Southeast Region rankings last week but are both coming off losses. The Rifles fell to Lander 3-2 on Saturday.

In Sunday's match, the Patriots struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in 27th minute on a goal from Henry Theilling. The goal came off a cross from Jimmy DeRan. Clayton State answered three minutes later as sophomore Tuomo Poyry scored his sixth goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1. The header for a goal came off a throw-in from senior Stephen Hughes, followed by a flick from Des Martin.

Francis Marion wasted no time, reclaiming the lead as Theiling pocketed the game-winner, his second goal of the match, in the 35th minute off an assist from Nashir Carabali. The goal came on header off a corner kick.

The Lakers best chance to tie the score came late in the match as a sophomore Mark Coulter's shot off a cross from 15 yards out banged off the top of the goal post.

Clayton State finished the match with eight shots compared to five for the Patriots. Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen finished with two saves compared to three saves by FMU keeper Jonathan Runion.

The match was a physical one as FMU was whistled for 15 fouls compared to 11 for the Lakers.

Game Stats
Farmville, VA—October 5, 2002 --- The 11^th ranked Clayton College & State men's soccer team pushed it record to 9-0-1 on the season Saturday, defeating Longwood University 4-0 in Farmville, VA.

After a scoreless first half, the Lakers exploded for four second half goals in a 15-minute span, en route to the victory. Longwood played a man down for the entire second half after a red card late in the first half.

Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, October 12^th, traveling to face Francis Marion University. The loss drops Longwood, ranked 9^th in the Southeast Regional rankings, to 6-3-1 on the season.

Clayton State sophomore Des Martin got the Lakers on the scoreboard in the 53^rd minute of the match with his fourth goal of the season. Sophomore Tuomo Poyry scored his fourth goal of the season to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead in the 55^th minute.

Sophomore Mark Coulter scored his fifth goal of the year in the 64^th minute, followed by sophomore David Dowling providing some insurance in the 68^th minute with his fifth goal of the season.

Clayton State finished with 20 shots compared to only seven for Longwood. Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen finished with four saves and recorded his fourth shutout of the season, increasing his school and Peach Belt Conference career record shutout total to 35.

Game Stats
MCDONOUGH, GA---The 11^th-ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team shattered its school unbeaten streak and several team scoring records Wednesday, blanking Morehouse College 9-0 at the Henry County Soccerplex in McDonough, GA.

Leading 1-0 at halftime, the Lakers (8-0-1) exploded with eight second half goals to cruise to the victory. The win extended the team’s unbeaten streak to nine matches, breaking the school unbeaten streak of eight matches set twice in the 2000 season.

In addition, CCSU broke several team records in the match, breaking the school mark for most goals in a match, nine; assists in a match, seven; and points in a match, 25.

The previous record for most goals in a match was seven goals in five different games, against Newberry, 1999; against LaGrange, 1996; against North Georgia, 1994; against North Georgia, 1992; and against Central Wesleyan, 1992. The previous record for assists in a match was six against LaGrange in 1996 and against North Georgia in 1995, while the record for points in match was 20 against LaGrange in 1996.

The Clayton State duo of Jose Palladino and David Dowling provided a majority of the offensive punch as both players scored a trio of goals, as well as adding two assists apiece.

Dowling got the Lakers on the scoreboard in the 36^th minute off an assist from Barry Casebeer. Palladino scored his first goal of the match in the second half at the 48-minute mark off an assist by Dowling.

Casebeer got into the scoring act in the 52^nd minute off an assist by Palladino, followed by the Lakers taking a 4-0 lead on a goal by Mark Coulter off another assist from Palladino.

CCSU extended its lead to 5-0 in the 63^rd minute as Coulter scored his second goal of the match off an assist from Dowling, followed by Palladino scoring his second goal of the match on an unassisted play.

Dowling scored his second and third goals of the match in a two-minute span in the 87^th and 89^th minutes, off assists from Coulter and Martin, respectively. Palladino pocketed his third goal of the match to finish off the scoring in the final minute of the match.

Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen recorded his third shutout of the season, increasing his school and Peach Belt Conference career shutout total to 34. CCSU outshot Morehouse 30-6 in the match and Westhuizen recorded three saves compared to eight for Morehouse keeper Silah Kasumo.

The Lakers will return to action on Saturday, October 5^th, traveling to face Longwood University in a 2 p.m. match in Farmville, VA. Longwood is ranked ninth in the most recent Southeast Regional poll.

Game Stats
JACKSONVILLE, FL – Riding a perfect 7-0 record, the fourth-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team suffered its first blemish of the 2002 season Sunday, tying the University of North Florida 2-2 in Peach Belt Conference soccer action in Jacksonville, FL.

Trailing 2-1 late in the second half, the Lakers rallied in the 73rd minute to tie the score on a goal by David Dowling off an assist from Des Martin. Dowling drilled a low line drive from 15 yards in the bottom right of the goal just past the outstretched arms of keeper Blake Baldwin for the game-tying score.

Clayton State (7-0-1; 1-0-1 PBC) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on goal by Shaun Baddock in the 20th minute of the match. Baddock took a pass from Martin, beat the keeper and easily pocketed his team-leading seventh goal of the season from six yards out.

North Florida (3-1-2; 2-0-1 PBC) answered the score just before halftime as Victor Duncan scored from seven yards. The score at the 41-minute mark was setup on a cross by Shane Shepard, followed by a flick from Facundo Videla.

UNF took the lead in 60^th minute, capitalizing on a penalty kick by Tony Alteri. The kick was granted after a foul in the Clayton State box and Alteri pocketed the goal in the upper right corner just beyond reach of keeper Warren van der Westhuizen.

Neither team posed a serious scoring threat in the overtime periods as both teams combined for a total of four shots in the two 10-minute overtime periods.

The Lakers finished with 11 shots in the match, compared to 14 for North Florida. UNF's Baldwin finished with five saves compared to three for Westhuizen. Both teams had four corner kicks. Clayton State was whistled for offsides 11 times, compared to three for North Florida and had 20 fouls, compared to UNF's 17.

CCSU will return to the field on Wednesday, hosting Morehouse College in a 7 p.m. match at the Henry County Soccerplex.

Game Stats
MORROW, GA---Clayton College & State University’s Barry Casebeer struck lighting fast in overtime, scoring a goal in the first minute of the 10-minute extra period to lift the fourth-ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Lees-McRae College Saturday at Laker Field.

Casebeer took a pass from CCSU’s Zuca Palladino, ran with ball for approximately 25 yards on a breakaway, beat LMC keeper Isacc Unruh and then pocketed the game-winning goal in the lower right corner of the net. The goal was Casebeer’s third of the season and second of the game, while the assist was Palladino’s ninth of the season and second of the contest.

The Lakers will return to the field on Saturday, September 28, and put their unbeaten 7-0 record on the line against Peach Belt Conference rival North Florida in a 1:30 p.m. match.

Lees-McRae jumped out to an early lead in the match as Bobcat leading scorer Khano Smith converted a penalty kick 18 minutes into the match. The match remained scoreless until Casebeer scored his first goal of the match at the 64-minute mark to tie contest at 1-1. The score again came off a pass from Palladino, followed by Casebeer carrying the ball 20 yards before beating the keeper with a shot.

Clayton State took a 2-1 lead in the match as Jonesboro’s Scott LeClerc served up an assist to Clayton State leading scorer Shaun Baddock. The goal, coming at the 68-minute mark was Baddock’s sixth of the season. The Bobcats came right back, however, and knotted the score at 2-2 two minutes later as Smith scored his second goal of the match on a shot from 20 yards out on an unassisted play.

Clayton State outshot Lees-McRae 14-13 but only had one corner kick compared to eight for the Bobcats. Laker keeper Warren van der Westhuizen finished with three saves compared to four saves for Unruh.

The Lakers were whistled for offsides 13 times and 15 fouls, compared to five offsides and 14 fouls for Lees-McRae.

Game statistics
MONTEVALLO, AL---The fourth-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team pushed its record to a perfect 6-0 on the season Wednesday, defeating the University of Montevallo 3-1 in Montevallo, AL.

MORROW, GA --- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team continued its climb up the National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings Monday, moving up one spot to fourth in the NCAA Division II poll.

The Lakers are coming off a 2-1 win over Peach Belt Conference rival Lander University Saturday and are currently 5-0 on the season. CCSU is tied for fourth in this week's poll with the Colorado School of the Mines (5-0). Southern Connecticut State University (5-0) sits atop the rankings, followed by Lynn University (7-0) second and Cal State Dominguez Hills (5-0-1) third.

The fourth place ranking is the highest ever for the Clayton State squad and is up eight spots from the team's preseason 12th place ranking. The Lakers climbed as high as sixth in the national rankings last year before finishing the season ranked 13th. CCSU captured its first-ever PBC championship last year and has received berths in the last two NCAA Championship tournaments. Two other Peach Belt Conference teams in the national rankings are: USC Spartanburg, tied for 9th; and Lander, 21st.

Offensively, Clayton State has been led this season by sophomore forward Shaun Baddock and midfielder Jose Palladino. Baddock has four goals and two assists in five matches, including two game-winning goals, while Palladino has five assists and two game-winning goals. On defense, two-time All-Region and All-PBC keeper Warren van der Westhuizen has shined with a .78 goals against average. He has two shutouts on the season, increasing his Peach Belt Conference and school career shutout mark to 33.

Clayton State will return to action Wednesday, traveling to face Montevallo before returning home on Saturday to host Lees-McRae in a 2 p.m. match.

2002 NCAA Division II Men - National
September 16, 2002

1 Southern Connecticut State University 5-0-0
2 Lynn University (Fla.) 7-0-0
3 Cal State Dominguez Hills 5-0-1
4 Clayton State (Ga.) 5-0-0
4 Colorado School of Mines 5-0-0
6 Barry University (Fla.) 5-0-1
7 Lewis University (Ill.) 4-1-0
8 Mercyhurst College (Pa.) 5-0-0
9 University of South Carolina-Spartanburg 6-0-0
9 Sonoma State University (Calif.) 5-0-0
11 East Stroudsburg University (Pa.) 4-0-0
12 Midwestern State University (Texas) 3-0-0
13 Southern New Hampshire University 3-1-1
14 Dowling College (N.Y.) 2-1-1 13
15 University of Wisconsin, Parkside 4-1-0
16 Cal State San Bernardino 5-0-0
17 Bloomsburg University (Pa.) 6-0-0
17 University of the Incarnate Word (Texas) 5-0-0
19 Gannon University 4-2-1
20 LeMoyne College (N.Y.) 4-1-0
21 Lander University (S.C.) 3-2-0
22 Rockhurst University (Mo.) 4-2-0
23 University of Tampa 2-2-1
24 UC Davis 4-1-1
25 University of District of Columbia 2-2-1
Also receiving votes: West Florida, Saint Anselm (N.H.)

^{Morrow, GA-- September 16, 2002 --}^{The
fifth-ranked Clayton College & State University's men's soccer team
passed its biggest test of the young season on Saturday, defeating 22^{ranked Lander University 2-1, and on Monday, it had one of its top players
recognized as the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week for his standout play
in the match.}}

Senior keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) was named the PBC Player of the Week after holding the high-powered Lander offense to only one goal and coming up with a season high nine saves in the match. In addition, Westhuizen got the win against Lenoir-Rhyne last week, holding the Bears to one goal in the 6-1 win.

Westhuizen, who has played 4,500 consecutive minutes since the 2000 season, faced 20 shots in the two matches and had 10 saves. His .78 goals against average ranks second in the PBC and among the NCAA Division II's best. Westhuizen has posted two shutouts this season, increasing his school and Peach Belt Conference career shutout total to 33.

A two-time All-Region and two-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection, Westhuizen was also named PBC Player of the Week once last season. He ranks among the NCAA Division II's all-time best in single season goals against average (.47, 2000), and single season shutouts (14, 2000).

The Lakers will return to the field on Wednesday, traveling to Montevallo before returning home Saturday, hosting Lees-McRae in a 2 p.m. match.

Game Stats
MORROW, GA - It was a battle between one of the nation’s top offensive teams in Lander University and one of the nation’s top defensive squads in Clayton College & State University, and in the end, the defense prevailed as the Lakers defeated Lander 2-1 in Peach Belt Conference men’s soccer Saturday at Laker Field.

Jose Palladino scored the game-winning goal at the 78-minute mark taking a pass from Des Martin and pocketing a goal in the left side of the net past the outstretched arms of Senator keeper Matt Shirley. The goal was Palladino’s second game-winner of the season.

The Lakers held on in the final 12 minutes despite several scoring opportunities from Lander. Clayton State played a man down for the entire second half.

The win improves fifth-ranked Clayton State to 5-0 on the season, while 22^nd ranked Lander drops to 3-2. The Lakers will return to the field on Wednesday, traveling to Montevallo for a 7 p.m. contest, while Lander is at Queens College for a 4 p.m. match.

Lander jumped out to an early lead in the match as Mikko Kotilainen corralled a pass from Jamie Creghan inside the Clayton State box for a score at the 22:53 mark of the first half. Clayton State answered seven minutes later as Barry Casebeer scored his first goal of the season on a pass from Shaun Baddock from seven yards out.

The Senators outshot Clayton State 16-14 in the match and 11-6 in the second half and had eight corner kicks compared to three for the Lakers. Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen finished with nine saves in the match, compared to six for Lander’s Shirley.

The match was a physical one as Clayton State was whistled for 19 fouls compared to seven for Lander. The Clayton State win evens the all-time series with Lander at 4-4.

Fifth-ranked Clayton State men's soccer team defeats
Lenoir-Rhyne 6-1 Wed.; to host Lander on Saturday

Game Stats
HICKORY, NC -- The fifth-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team pushed its record to a perfect 4-0 on the season Wednesday, defeating Lenoir-Rhyne College 6-1 in men's soccer action.

The Lakers will return to the field on Saturday when they put their unbeaten streak on the line in their biggest test of the young season. Clayton State will host 22^nd ranked Lander in a Peach Belt Conference men's soccer slugfest, beginning at 4 p.m. on Laker Field.

In Wednesday's match at LRC, Des Martin ignited the Clayton State scoring frenzy early in the match, scoring the quickest goal in Laker soccer history. Martin pocketed a goal in the first seven seconds of the match drilling the opening kick up and into the net from the midfield.

Tuomo Poyry's third goal in two games gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead at the 24:15 mark on an assist by Marc Coulter. Clayton State increased its lead to 3-0 on Jonesboro's Scott LeClerc's first goal of the season off an assist from Shaun Baddock.

After intermission, Clayton State struck early in the second half as Hampton's Stephen Hughes scored an unassisted goal at the 46:18 mark, his first of the season. Baddock, the Lakers' leading scorer on the season, got into the scoring act in the 59^th minute, scoring his fourth of the season.

Lenoir-Rhyne's Alex Mario prevented the shutout in the 63^rd minute, scoring a goal off an assist from Erik Shaw, cutting the deficit to 5-1. Clayton State's Coulter provided the Lakers a little insurance in the 75^th minute, scoring his third goal of the season off an assist from Poyry.

Clayton State outshot the Bears (1-3-1) 20-7 in the match and had seven corner kicks compared to two for LRC.

Fifth-ranked Lakers defeat Mars Hill 5-0 Sun.

Game Stats
MARS HILL, NC - The fifth-ranked Clayton College & State University's men's soccer team improved to 3-0 on the season Sunday, defeating Mars Hill College 5-0 at Meares Stadium in Mars Hill, NC.

The match was scoreless until the 32nd minute when CCSU's Shaun Baddock (Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) scored off a cross from Jose Palladino (Sae Paulo, Brazil).

The second period belonged to CCSU as the Lakers scored four goals to cruise to the victory. Marc Coulter (Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead in 66^th minute on a penalty kick, followed by Tuomo Poyry (Mikkeli, Finland) scoring on a breakaway after a pass from Palladino.

Poyry scored his second goal of the match on a cross from Palladino at the 85^th minute, followed by Coulter scoring his second goal of the match on an unassisted breakaway in the final minute of the match.

The two goals each by Poyry and Coulter were their first goals of the season, while Baddock's goal gives him a team-leading three. Palladino's three assists give him a team leading four on the year.

The Lakers outshot Mars Hill 18-2 in the match and keeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) recorded his second shutout of the season, increasing his school and Peach Belt Conference record to 33 in his career.

Clayton State will return to the field on Wednesday, traveling to face Lenoir-Rhyne in a 4 p.m. match. The Lakers' next home match will be Saturday, hosting Peach Belt Conference foe and 13^th-ranked Lander in a 4 p.m. match.

Game Stats
McDonough, GA --- Jose Palladino drilled a 25-yard direct kick in overtime past the outstretched arms of the keeper to give the fifth-ranked Clayton College & State University men's soccer team a 3-2 overtime victory over Presbyterian College at the Henry County Soccerplex in McDonough, GA, on Wednesday evening.

The goal put an exclamation point on a fine Clayton State debut for Palladino as he finished with one goal and one assist in his first match as a Laker.

Clayton State (2-0) jumped out to an early lead in the match as Des Martin pocketed a goal from five yards in the 21^st minute after a cross from Palladino. Shaun Baddock gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead in the second half, heading a cross by Tuomo Poyry into the goal at the 61^st minute.

Presbyterian stormed back and tied the match, scoring two goals in two minutes. Derek Knapp scored the first goal at the 73^rd minute, followed by Guy Campbell knotting the score at 2-2 on an assist by Knapp only a minute later.

Neither team was able to score in the last 15 minutes of the second half and in the first four minutes of the overtime half despite several scoring opportunities.

The Lakers outshot Presbyterian 18-13 in the match and five corner kicks compared to three for the Blue Hose. Clayton State keeper Warren van der Westhuizen had four saves compared to five for Presbyterian's Kevin Czar.

Clayton State will return to action on Sunday, traveling to face Mars Hill in a 2 p.m. match.

^{Morrow, GA -}After opening its season on Saturday with a 1-0 overtime win over Florida Southern College, the Clayton College & State University men's soccer team has vaulted up the National Soccer Coaches Association of America rankings to fifth in the nation.

The fifth-place ranking is the highest ever for the Clayton State squad and is up seven spots from the team's preseason 12th place ranking. The Lakers climbed as high as sixth in the national rankings last year before finishing the season ranked 13th. CCSU captured its first-ever PBC championship last year and has received berths in the last two NCAA Championship tournaments.

Other Peach Belt Conference team in the national rankings are Lander, 13th; and USC Spartanburg 18th.

Morrow, GA - The Clayton College & State University men's and women's soccer teams will host a soccer doubleheader on Wednesday as the women's squad will host Carson-Newman College, while the 12^th-ranked men's squad will play host to Presbyterian College.

Both matches will be held at the Henry County Soccerplex in McDonough, which is located off of exit 218 from Interstate 75. The women's match will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the men's match at 7 p.m.

The 12^th-ranked Laker men's team opened its season Saturday on the road, defeating Florida Southern 1-0 in OT on a goal by Shaun Baddock. In addition to the game winning-goal by Baddock, who was forced to sit out almost all of the 2001 season with an injury, Warren van der Westhuizen recorded his school and Peach Belt Conference record 32nd career shutout.

The Lakers lead in the series against Presbyterian 2-1 and defeated the Blue Hose 2-1 last year on goals by Brad Havenga and Barry Casebeer.

Presbyterian, last year’s co-champions in the South Atlantic Conference, is picked to finish second in 2002 behind Wingate. The match against CCSU will be Presbyterian’s season opener after finishing last year with a 6-8-4 record.

In the women's match, it will be the season opener for Clayton State and the second meeting all-time against Carson-Newman as the Lakers defeated the Eagles 2-1 in 1998.

Clayton State is coming off a school best 11-7 record in 2001 and was picked fourth in the preseason PBC coaches poll. The Lakers return eight starters off last year’s team, including junior Nkiru Okosieme, who finished last season as the nation’s second-leading scorer with 33 on the season, both school and Peach Belt records.

Carson-Newman, out of the South Atlantic Conference, finished last season with 9-7-1 and welcome back eight starters from that squad. Coach Philip McNamara enters his first season at Carson-Newman after coaching at Virginia Intermont. The Eagles opened their season on Saturday, defeating defending PBC champion USC Spartanburg 4-0. Liz Jallo, who scored 16 goals last year, had two goals in the season-opening win.

Directions to Henry County Soccerplex. Exit 218, off I-75. If exiting from 75 South, turn left at the end of the exit ramp, go to the second light, turn onto Industrial Boulevard, go eight-tenths of a mile, turn left onto Henry Parkway, and the fields will be on the left.

Game Stats
LAKELAND, FL - Clayton State's Shaun Baddock scored the only goal of the match with just under two minutes to play in the first overtime and CCSU goalkeeper Warren van der Westhuizen came up with four big saves as #12 Clayton State defeated Florida Southern 1-0 in men’s soccer Monday night.

Morrow, GA - The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team has high expectations, leading into the 2002 season, evidenced by being picked to win the Peach Belt Conference and its 12^th place preseason ranking in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll. The Lakers will have their first chance to work on backing up those expectations, Monday when it travels to Florida Southern for a 7 p.m. Labor Day match.

Clayton State won its first-ever PBC Championship in 2001, en route to its second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Lakers are coming off an 11-4-5 season and a 5-0-1 mark in the PBC.

Florida Southern is 1-0 in the 2002 season, defeating Bryant College 5-2 Saturday behind three goals from FSC freshman Asa Pepia. The Mocassins cruised to the victory with four goals in the first half. FSC is coming off a 12-5 season and a 3-4 mark in the Sunshine State Conference last year.

In the only meeting between the two clubs in 2000, the Lakers defeated Florida Southern 5-0 in a tournament held at Augusta State University. The Lakers were paced by a school record and career high four goals from current Laker senior striker Barry Casebeer.

In the 2002 season, fifth-year coach John Rootes, the second winningest all-time coach in NCAA Division II soccer, will once again rely on a stingy defense.

Two-time All-Region goalkeeper Warren van der Westhuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) returns for his senior season. Westhuizen posted the nation’s sixth best goals against average at .78 last year and has 24 shutouts in the last two seasons.

In addition to Westhuizen, two-time All-Region striker Casebeer (Corpus Christi, TX) will return for his senior season after scoring 28 goals in the last two seasons. All-PBC Tournament performer Michael Lynch will return for his senior season along with seniors Stephen Hughe (Hampton, GA), Josh Miller (Jonesboro, GA) and Duane Banks (Decatur, GA), junior Brad Havenga (Johannesburg, South Africa) and sophomores Shaun Baddock (Johannesburg, South Africa), Des Martin (Benoni, South Africa) and David Dowling (Benoni, South Africa).

Clayton State has nine newcomers to the 2002 squad, including senior midfielder Jose Palladino (Sae Paulo, Brazil), senior defender Aaron Hume (Miami, FL), junior defender Mike Beukman (Johannesburg, South Africa), and junior goalkeeper Matt Jennings (Warner Robins, GA). Sophomore forwards Marc Coulter (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Tuomo Poyry (Mikkeli, Finland) will also join the club along with freshmen midfielder Jarrid Nicholson (Johannesburg, South Africa) and midfielder Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA).

The Lakers open the season ranked 12^th in the NSCAA poll after opening last season ranked 14^th. CCSU climbed as high as sixth in the national rankings last season before ending the season ranked 13^th. Clayton State has a 29-7-6 record over the past two seasons.

The Lakers will open their home schedule on Wednesday, September 4, hosting Presbyterian College in a 7 p.m. match at the Henry County Soccer Complex.

^{Morrow, GA -} After being picked for the second straight season to win the Peach Belt Conference, the Clayton College & State University men's soccer team has also been selected for the second straight season among the nation's top 15 teams in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America preseason poll.

The Lakers open the season ranked 12th in the NSCAA poll after opening last season ranked 14th. CCSU climbed as high as sixth in the national rankings last season before ending the season ranked 13th.

In addition to Clayton State, two other Peach Belt Conference teams in the preseason poll are the University of South Carolina Spartanburg ranked 17th, followed by Lander University at 18th.

Clayton State won its first-ever PBC Championship in 2001, en route to its second straight appearance in the NCAA Soccer Championships. The Lakers are coming off an 11-4-5 season and a 5-0-1 mark in the PBC and have a 29-7-6 record over the past two seasons.

In 2002, fifth-year coach John Rootes, the second winningest all-time coach in NCAA Division II soccer, will once again rely on a stingy defense. The defending PBC champs kick off their 2002 season on the road on Monday, September 2 at Florida Southern College.

Two-time All-Region goalkeeper Warren van der Westhuizen returns for his senior season. Westhuizen posted the nation’s sixth best goals against average at .78 last year and has 24 shutouts in the last two seasons.

In addition to Westhuizen, two-time All-Region striker Barry Casebeer will return for his senior season after scoring 28 goals in the last two seasons. All-PBC Tournament performer Michael Lynch will return for his senior season along with seniors Stephen Hughes and Josh Miller, junior Brad Havenga and sophomores Shaun Baddock, Des Martin and David Dowling.

The Lakers will open their home schedule on Wednesday, September 4, hosting Presbyterian College.

Rank School 2001 Record
1 Cal State Dominguez Hills 20-3-1
2 Southern Connecticut State 17-4-2
3 Lynn University (Fla.) 17-2
4 Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 17-3-3
5 Dowling College (N.Y.) 14-1-4
6 Barry University (Fla.) 14-1-3
7 West Texas A&M University 15-4-1
8 Ashland University (Ohio) 12-5-1
9 University of Tampa 19-0-2
10 East Stroudsburg University (Pa.) 14-5-1
11 UC Davis 13-7-1
12 Clayton State 11-4-5
13 Saint Anselm College (N.H.) 14-5-2
14 Lewis University (Ill.) 20-1-1
15 University of Findlay (Ohio) 13-2-2
16 Fort Lewis College (Colo.) 14-7
17 USC Spartanburg 14-4-1
18 Lander 17-4
19 Southern New Hampshire University 13-4-1
20 West Virginia Wesleyan College 16-4-1
21 Grand Canyon University (Ariz.) 11-3
22 Colorado School of Mines 13-7
23 University of Wisconsin-Parkside 13-4-1
24 University of Bridgeport (Conn.) 12-4-2
25 Sonoma State University (Calif.) 12-7-1

Morrow, GA - For the second straight year, the Clayton College & State University Lakers have been selected the preseason favorites to capture the Peach Belt Conference men’s soccer championship in a poll of the league’s seven head coaches.

The Lakers edged Lander University by two points and third-place USC Spartanburg by five points. North Florida and Francis Marion were next, while UNC Pembroke and USC Aiken tied to round out the voting.

After being picked first last season, Clayton State won its first-ever PBC Championship in 2001, en route to its second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Lakers are coming off an 11-4-5 season and a 5-0-1 mark in the PBC. They were ranked 13th in the final National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.

In 2002, fourth-year coach John Rootes, the second winningest all-time coach in NCAA Division II soccer, will once again rely on a stingy defense. The defending PBC champs kick off their 2002 season on the road on Monday, September 2 at Florida Southern College.

Lander, the second place team in the poll, developed into CCSU’s closest rival last season and beat the Lakers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Elite Eight. The Senators will be led again by the potent offensive trio of Scott Montgomery, Mikko Kotilainen and Jamie Creaghan, all of whom were named All-Conference in 2001. The three players combined to score 37 goals and 26 assists.

USC Spartanburg capped a forgettable regular season by capturing the 2001 PBC Tournament title, beating Lander and Clayton State in consecutive games. However, the Rifles will need to replace all-conference scoring sensation Tuomas Tahvanainen but should get help from standout goalkeeper John Andrew Rousseau and forward Preben Ringerike.

North Florida will have to make their run for the 2002 title without All-Conference stars Colm Keirans and Daniel Alstrom but do return goalkeeper Blake Baldwin and defender Ado Hasanic. 2001 PBC Freshman of the Year Stephen Ademolu will return to lead the attack for UNC Pembroke after scoring 12 goals his freshman season.

School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	Total
1. Clayton State	4	2	0	0	0	0	34
2. Lander	2	4	0	0	0	0	32
3. USC Spartanburg	1	1	4	0	0	0	27
4. North Florida	0	0	2	2	1	1	17
5. Francis Marion	0	0	1	1	2	2	13
t6. UNC Pembroke	0	0	0	2	2	2	12
t6. USC Aiken	0	0	0	2	2	2	12
Six points were awarded for a first-place vote, five for second and so on. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.