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2003 Laker Season


 'Pete’ Petersen named new head men’s soccer coach at Clayton State

Morrow, GA --- April 9, 2004 --- Clayton College & State University athletic director Mason Barfield named Harry Frederick “Pete” Petersen CCSU’s fifth head men’s soccer coach Friday. Petersen takes the helm of the NCAA Division II soccer program after former coach John Rootes resigned earlier this year. 

Petersen most recently served as the Director of Coaching for the Norcross (GA) Soccer Association, overseeing approximately 1,400 players. Before his three years at Norcross, he served for seven years in the professional ranks, working as a general manager, head coach and president of four professional soccer teams. He had a record of 46-44-1 in the United Soccer Leagues. 

His collegiate background includes seven years of coaching experience, of which, six came as a head coach at Spartanburg Methodist College. His top season came in 1994, leading the SMC squad to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship. He was also named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Coach of the Year that same season. 

“We are extremely happy to bring someone into our program who has won a national championship at the collegiate level,” said Barfield. “Pete has an impressive background and will continue the great soccer tradition that John Rootes established over the last six years.” 

Said Petersen, “I consider Coach Rootes the ‘Godfather’ of NCAA Division II soccer (one of the winningest active coaches), and he certainly left the program in fantastic shape. My goal is to continue to build on what he has done. The players, staff and I, aim to make CCSU and the Atlanta community proud of Laker soccer on an off the field. We have several goals set before us, the ultimate being a national title. 

Petersen was president of the A-League Atlanta Silverbacks from 2000-01 and helped lead the franchise to the playoffs, its first appearance in six years. The franchise also received the 2001 Most Improved Club Peer-Rating award and excelled in developing community programs such as a Hispanic Outreach, Super Y Youth teams and local professional camps.  He led the A-League Jacksonville Cyclones from worst to first in 1998, and his 1996 South Carolina Shamrock squad led the Select League in goals scored and ranked second nationally in points. 

At Spartanburg Methodist, Peterson compiled a 79-28-6 record, coached 10 All-Americas and had 19 All-South players. In addition to his college experience at Spartanburg Methodist, he also served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Presbyterian College from in 1999, as well as, serving as an assistant at NCAA Division I Davidson University from 1988 to 1989. 

Professionally, Peterson, a United State Soccer Federation (USSF) “A” License and NSCAA “Premier” certified coach, has coached 10 national team members, both U.S. and non-U.S. players, three U.S. Olympic team members, 11 major league professional players, five A-League All-Stars and one Rookie of the Year. 

He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Presbyterian College in 1985 and a master’s degree in sports science from the United States Sports Academy in 1989. Petersen was a First Lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army from 1985-1988. 

Born in Taiwan and the son of missionary parents, Petersen lived in West Africa for 14 years and has traveled Europe extensively. He and his wife, Mona, have one daughter Priscilla, and currently reside in Kennesaw, GA. 

Clayton College & State University is a four-year institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. The Lakers are NCAA Division II members and compete out of the Peach Belt Conference. 

The CCSU soccer team finished the 2002 season with an 11-6-1 record, its fourth straight winning season. The Lakers have a 52-17-9 record over the past four seasons, which includes a PBC regular season Championship, a PBC Tournament Championship and two trips to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Rootes had a 69-38-9 record in six seasons at Clayton State.    

Clayton State coach John Rootes  
resigns as head men’s soccer coach 

Morrow, GA-February 16, 2004 --- Clayton College & State University athletic director Mason Barfield announced on Monday that six-year head coach John Rootes has resigned as the head men’s soccer coach.

Rootes, one of the nation’s all-time winningest coaches in NCAA Division II, has accepted a position as head coach at Savannah College of Art & Design, a NAIA school located in Savannah, GA.

“John (Rootes) is one of the top soccer coaches in the country, and his impact on our program will be felt for several years to come,” said Barfield. “He led our young program to national prominence in a short period of time and will always be remembered for building and taking our soccer program to the next level.”

Rootes has a 238-68-20 career record as a Division II coach and ranked as the all-time winningest coach in Division II prior to last year. He had a 69-38-9 record in six seasons at Clayton State, including four straight winning seasons. The program had only two winning years prior to his arrival.

“I would like to thank Clayton State for the support my family and I received during our six years here at the school,” said Rootes. “This was a hard decision for me, especially hard for me to leave these players that I recruited and also difficult since I’m originally from the Atlanta area. But in the long run, this is the best decision for my family.”

Rootes’ top season at Clayton State came in 2000, as he led the Lakers to its first NCAA Division II national tournament with an 18-3-1 record. The Lakers won the Peach Belt Conference Tournament and finished the season ranked 14th in the country. In 2001, he led the Lakers to the school’s first Peach Belt Conference Championship, to its second straight NCAA Tournament and a final ranking of 13th in the nation.

The Lakers opened the 2002 season with a 7-0 record, ranked fourth in the country and poised to gun for the school’s first national championship before devastating injuries to the team’s two leading scorers and arguably the program’s all-time best scorers took their toll.

Prior to his arrival at Clayton State, Rootes coached 10 seasons at New Hampshire College, now Southern New Hampshire University. He had a 169-30-11 record and led the program to six NCAA Division II Tournament bids, four appearances in the Elite Eight and to a NCAA Division II National Championship.

Rootes, who is originally from Stone Mountain, GA, holds a master’s degree in sport science and played collegiately at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Clayton State men’s soccer season ends in PBC semifinals with 4-2 loss to USC Spartanburg 

Spartanburg, S.C. --- November 8, 2003 --- Second-ranked USC Spartanburg and its high-powered offense struck for four goals in the first 24 minutes to down the Clayton State University men’s soccer team 4-2 Saturday in the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament in Spartanburg, S.C. 

The loss ends Clayton State’s season with an 11-6-1 record, while Spartanburg improves to 15-1 and will advance to the PBC Tournament Championship on Saturday and face UNC Pembroke, who defeated Lander 3-2 in the other semifinal match. 

USCS started off quickly and found Clayton State on their heels a little bit to start the match.  Gary Lynch played a free kick from midfield to Preben Ringerike 30 yards out for the goal.  With Clayton State’s keeper out from his line, Ringerike lifted a shot that floated to the goal and passed just under the bar and into the net for a 1-0 lead in the fourth-minute. 

The Rifles took a 2-0 lead in the 11th-minute when Barbosa headed a ball in off a free kick from Lynch.  Barbosa added to the Rifle lead in the 18th-minute when he took a free kick and skidded a shot off the ground and past the keeper for a 3-0 lead. 

Just five minutes later, Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year Ricky Charles crossed a ball 20 yards out to Liam Slack near the right post.  Slack headed the ball into the net for a 4-0 USCS lead in the 23rd-minute. 

Clayton State head coach John Rootes then inserted Anthony Wright in the 30th-minute and Wright made an immediate contribution.  He took a pass from Shaun Baddock on the left side of the field, created space for himself, and hit a frozen rope from 30 yards out that found the back of the net to cut the USCS lead to 4-1 in the 32nd-minute. 

After halftime, Clayton State began to pressure the USCS defense and further cut into the USCS advantage.  Pa’Alasan Jahumpa crossed a ball to Wright in the middle of the box and Wright slid a shot past USCS keeper Terence McGee to bring the Lakers within 4-2 in the 53rd-minute. 

With six goals scored in the first 53 minutes of play, it looked like the match was destined for double-digit goal totals.  However, as quickly as the offenses produced in the first 53 minutes of the match, the defenses clamped down and both teams went scoreless the rest of the match as USCS took the win. 

USC Spartanburg finished with 19 shots compared to 10 for the Lakers. Freshman keepers Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Heath Padgett combined for seven saves, while USCS goalies Janiel Simon and Terence McGee combined for five stops. 

##CCSU##  

Two goals in two minutes propels Clayton State to 3-0 win over UNF; to semifinals of Peach Belt Tournament 

Morrow, GA --- November 5, 2003 --- Two goals in a two-minute span late in the first half propelled the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team to a 3-0 victory over the University of North Florida on a rainy Wednesday in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament at Laker Field in Morrow, GA. 

With the win, Clayton State, seeded fourth in the tournament, improves to 11-5-1 overall and advances to the semifinals of the PBC Tournament in Spartanburg, S.C. The Lakers will have their work cutout for them, however, facing the host, the top seed and the nation’s second-ranked team in the University of South Carolina Spartanburg Saturday at noon. The loss for North Florida ends the Ospreys season with an 8-8-1 record. 

Clayton State leading scorer Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) scored the game-winner in the 42-minute of the match, drilling a shot from 18 yards in the top of the net past the outstretched arms of UNF junior keeper Scooter Ross (Jacksonville, FL). Jahumpa, a freshman forward, scored his 10th goal of the season off a short touch pass from junior forward Anthony Wright (Ashington, England). 

The Lakers, winners of six their last seven matches, struck again in the 43rd minute of the match as Wright headed a shot off the top post and into the net from eight yards. Freshman defender Andre Rall (Johannesburg, South Africa) set up the score on a direct kick. 

            North Florida played a man down for almost the entire match as an Osprey player was red-carded four minutes into the game after pulling a Clayton State player down on a breakaway opportunity. 

In the second half, the Lakers added a little insurance early as sophomore forward Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) scored on a shot in the upper right of the net off a cross from junior forward Shaun Baddock (Johannesburg, South Africa). 

Despite playing a man down, the Ospreys had several chances to score and finished the match with 14 shots, seven on goal. The Lakers also had 14 shots with five of them on goal. Ross finished with seven saves, while Clayton State keeper Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa) recorded his third shutout of the season and finished with five saves. 

The winner of Saturday’s PBC Tournament semifinal match will advance to the finals of the tournament in Spartanburg at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Clayton State lost 5-2 earlier this season to USCS and trails in the all-time series against the Rifles 8-3. The Lakers’ win on Wednesday was the program’s first win in the PBC Tournament since winning the PBC Conference Championship in 2000 at Francis Marion University.

LeClerc’s Overtime Goal Sinks Patriots 2-1 

FLORENCE, SC  – Sophomore forward Scott LeClerc scored on a 15-yard shot 3:59 into overtime to give Clayton College & State University a 2-1 victory over Francis Marion University, Saturday afternoon (Nov. 1) in Peach Belt Conference men’s soccer action.

The match concludes Clayton State regular season with a 10-5-1 record, while Francis Marion drops to 9-9-0 overall. The Lakers will return to action on Wednesday in the first round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

Freshman Pa’Alasan Jahumpa gave the Lakers a 1-0 lead with his ninth goal of the year on a sliding kick off a cross from Jarrid Nicholson at the 10:16 mark.  FMU senior Ben Chavolla, recognized prior to the Senior Day match, knotted the score at 1-1 when he scored on an 18-yard free kick 3:41 after halftime. 

Clayton State registered the only two shots in the final 18 minutes of regulation, but both were stopped by FMU sophomore goalkeeper Jonathan Runion.

With daylight quickly escaping, Jahumpa took advantage of a defensive lapse by the Patriots and gained control of the ball.  He then fed LeClerc who’s shot from 15 yards out nestled in the upper right corner of the goal.

Clayton State outshot FMU 9-8, but the Patriots held an 11-6 lead in corner kicks.  Runion tallied five saves, while Clayton State’s Brian Jones recorded three saves.  Jones played the first 56:32, and Heath Padgett played the final 37:27 in goal for the Lakers.

Two second half goals lift #10 UNC Pembroke to 2-1 victory over Clayton State in men’s soccer action Sat.  

Morrow, GA --- October 25, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team came 25 minutes from pulling off the Peach Belt Conference upset of the season Saturday before falling 2-1 to the 10th ranked University of North Carolina Pembroke Braves at Laker Field in Morrow, GA.  

Leading 1-0 at the 65-minute mark, the Lakers surrendered two goals down the stretch to fall to the Braves on homecoming. Freshman UNCP forward Trond Myrland (Molde, Norway) scored the game-winner in the 78th minute of the match, sliding a shot past the outstretched arms of freshman keeper Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa). The game-winner came off assists from junior midfielder Thomas Lindal (Kristianssand, Norway) and freshman midfielder Barat Killian (Raleigh, NC).  

Lindal tied the game at 1-1 at the 65th minute mark, drilling a shot from seven yards out past Jones after he made a superb save only seconds earlier to deny a goal on a shot by sophomore midfielder Christoph Schiessl (Regensburg, Germany). Lindal corralled the deflection and scored in the bottom right of the net. 

Clayton State took an early lead in the match as freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) converted a penalty kick at the 52-minute mark after a foul in the box. The Lakers also had a penalty kick five minutes earlier on another foul in the box area but was unable to convert as senior UNCP keeper Alex Hall (Knightdale, NC) made a diving kick save to deny an attempt by junior Anthony Wright (Ashington, England).  

The Braves finished the match with 21 shots compared to only seven for Clayton State. Jones played all 90 minutes for the Lakers and finished with five saves, while Hall had two saves.  

                With the win, the Lakers fall to 9-5-1 on the season and 2-3 in the Peach Belt Conference, while UNCP improves to 13-1 and 4-1 in the league. Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, November 1, traveling to play PBC opponent Francis Marion University. The Braves will return to action on Wednesday, hosting Wingate.

Clayton State men’s soccer blasts Shorter 5-0
Thurs.; to host UNC Pembroke for homecoming Sat.  

ROME, GA --- October 23, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team captured its ninth win of the season Thursday and its fourth in a row, blanking Shorter College 5-0 in Rome, GA.  

Laker forward Anthony Wright (Ashington, England) scored two goals in the victory, his fourth and fifth goals of the season. Clayton State junior David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) and freshman Brian Love (Ricon, GA) had assists on the two goals.  

Sophomore forward Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) added his fifth goal of the season in the match, while junior midfielder Alex Mosley (Woodstock, GA) got his second and freshman midfielder Todd Denson (Lilburn, GA) scored his first career goal to round out the scoring. Sophomore Alex Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) and freshman Denson had assists in the match.  

Freshman keepers Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA) combined for the team’s second shutout of the season.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 9-4-1 on the season and will return to action on Sunday, hosting the University of North Carolina Pembroke for homecoming in a 3:30 p.m. match.

Clayton State men’s soccer blanks
SCAD 3-0 for eighth win of the season  

SAVANNAH, GA--- October 19, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team posted its eighth victory of the season Sunday and its third straight win, blanking the Savannah College of Art and Design 3-0 in Savannah, GA.  

The Lakers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the match, thanks to a little help from the Bees, benefiting from an “own goal” at the nine-minute mark. Clayton State kept up the pressure and struck again three minutes later as junior forward Anthony Wright (Ashington, England) scored his third goal of the season off an assist from freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England).  

After over 75 minutes of scoreless play, the Lakers added some insurance in the 88th minute as junior midfielder Ryan McArdle (Augusta, GA) scored a goal off assists from junior Shaun Baddock (Randhurst, South Africa) and Wright.  

Clayton State finished with 16 shots compared to 14 for SCAD. Freshman keeper Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa) and senior keeper Matt Jennings (Warner Robins, GA) split time in goal to record the shutout with each having two saves in the match. 

            With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-4-1 on the season, while SCAD drops 1-11 on the year. Clayton State will return to action on Thursday, traveling to face Shorter College before playing its home finale on Saturday, October 25 against the University of North Carolina Pembroke for homecoming.

Baddock goal lifts Lakers to 2-1 victory over USC Aiken Saturday in Peach Belt Conference play 

Aiken, SC--- October 18, 2003 --- Clayton College & State University junior forward Shaun Baddock scored his seventh goal of the season in the 71st minute to lift the Laker men’s soccer team to a 2-1 Peach Belt Conference victory Saturday at the Pacer Pit in Aiken, S.C.  

Baddock (Ranhurst, South Africa) banged a shot past Pacer keeper Peter Calabrese from short range in the lower left of the net after the keeper deflected a shot by sophomore Alex Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa). Clayton State held on for the final 18 minutes for the victory.  

USCA jumped out to an early lead in the match as Mamadou Ndoye scored on a shot from 14 yards off a direct kick by Kevon Aberdeen. The score in the first minute of the match sailed past freshman keeper Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa) in the upper right of the net.  

Clayton State freshman Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) tied the score at 1-1 in the 39th minute after taking a pass from freshman Chris Jones (Lilburn, GA). Jahumpa controlled the pass with one foot, quickly flicked it to his left foot and drilled a shot past Calabrese from 16 yards out for the goal.  

Clayton State controlled the match and had 10 shots compared to only four for USCA. The Pacers did not have a shot on goal besides the early score. Calabrese finished with seven saves.  

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 7-4-1 overall and 2-2 in the Peach Belt and will return to action on Sunday, traveling to face the Savannah College of Art and Design in a 2 p.m. match. USC falls to 0-8-0 on the season.

  Clayton State rolls past St. Andrews in a 4-0 victory Sun.; to face USC-Aiken Sat.

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- October 12, 2003 --- With three goals in the second half, Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team toppled non-conference opponent St. Andrews 4-0 Sunday at Laker Field. 

Clayton State forward Pa'Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) scored the only goal in the first half, beating St. Andrews goalkeeper Hal Tate (Walterboro, SC) on an unassisted play at the 29th-minute mark. The Lakers kept the pressure on throughout the match with 22 shots compared to 15 shots for St. Andrews. 

The match remained even until the Lakers went on a scoring frenzy in the second half with three goals.  Clayton State forward Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) scored from 10 yards out on a pass from Jahumpa.  David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) had two assists in the match.  Laker sophomore Alex Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) scored at the 54th minute with a six-yard header off a direct kick from his brother, David Dowling. 

With 18 minutes remaining in the match, David Dowling dished another assist to forward Anthony Wright (Ashington, England) whose 15-yard shot went in the bottom right corner of the net pass the Knights goalkeeper. 

 Tate recorded eight saves in the match for the Knights, while Clayton State's freshman goalkeeper Brian Jones (Johannesburg, South Africa), who started his first game of the season, had four saves. 

The Lakers improved to 5-5-1 on the season and St. Andrews falls to 5-9.  Clayton State will travel to face Peach Belt Conference opponent USC-Aiken on Saturday, October 18th in a 3:30 p.m. match. 

###CCSU###

Late Lander goal lifts Bearcats to a 1-0 victory over Clayton State in PBC men’s soccer action

 Game Stats
Greenwood, SC --- October 4, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team lost a heart breaker Saturday, falling 1-0 to Lander University in Peach Belt Conference action with the lone goal of the match coming in the final six seconds of the match.  

Lander’s Peter Martisek took a pass from Luke Ibbetson for the game winner. With the loss, the Lakers fall to 5-4-1 overall and 1-2 in conference play. Lander improves to 5-2-1 overall and 1-1 in the PBC.  

Lander outshot the Lakers, 11-2, and the two teams had five corner kicks each. Lander goalkeeper Matt Shirley recorded two saves in the shutout, while Laker freshman keeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA) had four saves. 

Clayton State will return to action on Sunday, October 12th, hosting St. Andrews in a 2 p.m. match.  

###CCSU###

Clayton State goal in the 85th minute leads to 1-1 tie against NAIA’s 16th-ranked Thomas 

             Morrow, GA --- October 1, 2003 --- A Scott LeClerc goal in the 85th minute Wednesday knotted the score at 1-1 apiece and helped lead Clayton College & State University to a double overtime tie against non-conference opponent Thomas University at Laker Field.

             LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) took a pass with five minutes remaining in the match from freshman Todd Denson (Lilburn, GA) and headed a ball in the bottom left of the net just pass the outstretched arms of Thomas’ freshman keeper Alex Andone (Columbus, GA).

           The tie gives Clayton State a 5-3-1 record on the season, while Thomas, ranked 16th in the latest NAIA national poll, now has an 8-2-1 mark. Clayton State will return to Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday, traveling to face Lander University.

           Thomas took an early lead in the Wednesday’s match as sophomore midfielder Cormac McArdle (Dundalk, Ireland) scored in the 23rd minute off an assist by junior midfielder Andri Sveinsson (Reykjavik, Iceland).  

           The match remained scoreless for the next 62 minutes with neither team having a serious scoring threat until LeClerc’s goal in the 85th minute. Both teams also battled another 20 minutes in overtime without a serious scoring opportunity.

         Thomas took 24 shots compared to only 10 for the Lakers, however only five of the Nighthawk shots were on goal. Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett finished with five saves, while Androne had three.

         The tie keeps the all-time series between Clayton State and Thomas even at 2-2-3. The Lakers and Nighthawks battled to a double overtime scoreless tie in the last matchup between the two schools in 2001. The Lakers defeated Thomas 2-0 in the 2000 season.

  ###CCSU###       

USCS Rifles explode for 5-2 win over Clayton 
State in PBC men’s soccer action Saturday

Game Stats   
Morrow, GA --- September 27, 2003 --- The University of South Carolina Spartanburg men’s soccer team is undefeated and ranked sixth in the nation, and on Saturday, proved it is every bit deserving of that lofty ranking.  

The Rifles defeated Clayton State 5-2 in Peach Belt Conference soccer action at Laker Field on the campus of Clayton State in Morrow, GA. The Rifles improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference, while the Lakers drop to 5-3 on the season and 1-1 in the league.  

USCS exploded for a trio of goals in the first 13 minutes of the match to break the game open. Freshman forward Liam Slack (Doncaster, England), the second leading scorer in the Peach Belt, scored the first goal three minutes into match, corralling a loose ball after a Laker mistake and then beat freshman keeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA) keeper with a shot from 15 yards out.  

The Rifles struck again four minutes later as senior forward Ricky Charles (St. George’s, Grenada) scored off a cross from senior forward Preben Ringerike (Oslo, Norway) to give USCS a 2-0 lead seven minutes in to the match. Junior midfielder Gary Lynch (Blackburn, England) struck for the USCS’s fourth goal at the 13-minute mark off a short pass from by Shamir Vieira. The Rifles took a commanding 4-0 lead at the 26-minute mark as senior forward Almir Barbosa (Brockton, MA) drilled a 20-yard shot into the net on a direct kick.  

Clayton State got on the scoreboard in the 37th-minute of the match as junior forward Shaun Baddock (Randhurst, South Africa) scored his team-leading sixth goal of the match, heading in a cross from junior midfielder Ryan McArdle (Augusta, GA). USCS answered, however six minutes later as Charles gave the Rifles a 5-1 lead at the 43-minute mark on a direct kick from 25 yards out.  

In the second half, the Lakers held the Rifles scoreless and inched a little closer late in the match as freshman midfielder Denton Giles (Griffin, GA) scored with a shot over junior keeper Janiel Simon (St. Mary’s Parish, Antigua) off an assist from junior forward David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa).  

USCS controlled much of the match and had 24 shots and 12 corner kicks compared to only 12 shots and three corner kicks for the Lakers. Clayton State freshman keeper Heath Padgett had five saves, while USCS’s Janiel Simon finished with three saves.  

With the win, the Rifles have won three straight against the Lakers and lead in the all-time series 8-3. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, hosting Thomas University in a 4 p.m. match.

 ###CCSU###

Clayton State men’s soccer downs Catawba 2-1
Monday in Southeast Region match

Game Stats
SALISBURY, NC --- September 22, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team struck for two lightning quick goals and held on in a driving rainstorm in the second half to pullout an important Division II Southeast Region match, downing Catawba College 2-1 Monday at Frock Field in Salisbury, NC.

The Lakers, ranked 10th in the Southeast Region, improve to 5-2 with the win, while Catawba, ranked fifth in the region this week, falls to 4-1-1.

Clayton State controlled play early and got a pair of goals in the opening 16 minutes. Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) assisted on each goal, the first to Shaun Baddock (Randhurst, South Africa) and the second to Denton Giles (Griffin, GA). Baddock’s goal was his team-leading fifth and is his fourth in the last three games for the junior, who was named Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week earlier today.

Catawba threatened several times late in the half, but CCSU keeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA) kept the Tribe off the board.

After a light drizzle for most of the first half, the skies opened and the final half was played in a driving rainstorm. Catawba continued to press the action in the final half, but could not break through until Zay-Zay Gilewala (Monrovia, Liberia) netted his seventh goal of the season with just over 17 minutes to play. That would be as close as Catawba would get as the Lakers held on over the final 15 minutes.

Clayton State will return to action on Saturday, September 27, hosting Peach Belt Conference rival the University of South Carolina Spartanburg in a 1 p.m. match. USCS is currently ranked first in the Southeast Region and sixth in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.

Clayton State’s Shaun Baddock
named PBC Player of the Week

 MORROW, GA --- September 22, 2003 --- Clayton College & State University’s Shaun Baddock scored two-game winning goals last week, including the game-winner in overtime against Peach Belt Conference rival the University of North Florida on Saturday. 

And for his efforts, the Peach Belt Conference Office in Augusta, GA, has named Baddock its men’s soccer Player of the Week. 

Baddock, a junior forward from Randhurst, South Africa, led the Lakers to two victories last week, scoring three goals. He had the team’s game-winning goal in its 2-1 victory over North Georgia College & State University Wednesday and two goals in the team’s win over North Florida on Saturday. 

He gave the team its first lead against North Florida on a header at the 55-minute mark, followed by drilling the game-winner from eight yards out at the 93-minute mark. His game-winner against NG&SU came in the 65th minute on a shot from 10 yards out. The three goals last week give him four on the season and tie him with freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) for the team lead. 

Baddock’s two goals against North Florida and the PBC honor are especially gratifying since he suffered a season-ending knee injury last year against North Florida after scoring a goal.

At the time of last year’s injury, he was leading the Peach Belt Conference and a big reason for Clayton State’s early season success as the Lakers were 7-0 and ranked fourth in the country before the 2002 UNF match. Last season’s injury for Baddock was even more difficult, as it came on the heels of a season-ending knee injury in 2001 to his other knee.  

Baddock is Clayton State’s first Player of the Week this year after having two player receive the honor last year. Goalkeeper coach and former Clayton State keeper Warren van der Weshuizen (Johannesburg, South Africa) and junior forward David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) received the honor last year.  

Clayton State is currently 4-2 on the season and 1-0 in Peach Belt Conference play. The Lakers were scheduled to play at Catawba College on Monday (today) before returning home on Saturday to face Peach Belt rival USC Spartanburg.

  

##CCSU##

Baddock lifts Clayton State to a 3-2
overtime victory over North Florida

 Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- September 20, 2003 --- Clayton College & State University’s Shaun Baddock scored two goals, including the game-winner three minutes in the first overtime to lift the Lakers to a 3-2 Peach Belt Conference victory over the University of North Florida Saturday at Laker Field.

 Baddock’s game-winner at the 93-minute mark from eight yards out came after a short cross from junior Anthony Wright (Ashington, England). Baddock (Randhust, South Africa), a junior forward, slid the low shot just past the outstretched arms of freshman Osprey keeper Scooter Ross (Jacksonville, FL).

 With Clayton State trailing 2-0 at intermission, Baddock scored his first goal of the match at the 55-minute mark heading a shot past keeper Ross from five yards out. The play was set-up by a cross from freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England). The two scores were especially gratifying for Baddock as he suffered a season-ending knee injury last year after scoring a goal against North Florida.

 Clayton State came back 11 minutes later as Jahumpa scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2 on a shot from 10 yards out. The play was set-up off a throw-in from junior midfielder Alex Mosley (Woodstock, GA).

 North Florida jumped out to a quick lead with two first half goals from junior forward Terry Peak (London, Canada). His first goal came at the 21-minute mark off an assist by freshman midfielder Cole Chancelor (Pensacola, FL). Peak gave the Ospreys a 2-0 lead with a shot from 18 yards out at the 37-minute mark off an assist from freshman defender Mats Elmstar (Nykoping, Sweden).

 Peak provided the offensive firepower for the Ospreys with two goals in the first half but also gave the Lakers an advantage in the second half, as he was red carded at the 68-minute mark. Clayton State played at a one-man advantage for the final 25 minutes of the match.

 Each team finished with 13 shots in the match. Clayton State freshman keeper Heath Padgett had five saves, while Ross had three. The match was a physical one with 16 fouls for Clayton State and 14 fouls for North Florida. The Lakers had one yellow card, while North Florida had one yellow and one red card.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 4-2 on the season and 1-0 in the Peach Belt Conference and will return to action on Monday, September 22nd, traveling to Catawba for a 7 p.m. match. North Florida falls to 2-4-1 on the season and 0-1 in the PBC and will return to action on Tuesday, hosting Florida Tech.

 

###CCSU###              

 Clayton State downs North Georgia
2-1 men’s soccer action Wednesday

 Morrow, GA --- September 17, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team struck for two quick goals in a four minute span in the second half and held on for the remaining 25 minutes to pull out a 2-1 victory over non-conference foe North Georgia College & State University Wednesday at Laker Field.

 Junior forward Shaun Baddock (Randhurst, South Africa) scored the game-winner from 10 yards out in the 65th minute of the match after taking a pass from junior forward David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa).

 The Lakers tied the match four minutes earlier as junior midfielder Alex Mosley (Woodstock, GA) drilled a shot in the lower left of the goal past the outstretched arms of North Georgia freshman keeper Patrick Kuhn (Milton, Delaware). The goal was set-up on a pass from freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England).

 North Georgia jumped out to an early lead in the 19th-minute of the match as senior striker Jose Chalas (Duluth, GA) drilled a shot past Clayton State freshman keeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA). The play was set-up off a corner kick from Jeremy Brown (Newnan, GA) followed up with a flick by Calvin Smith (Flowery Branch, GA).

 Despite Clayton State not taking its first lead until the 65-minute mark, the Lakers still controlled much of the match with 22 shots compared to eight for the Saints. Padgett finished with six saves, while Kuhn finished with eight.  

The match was a physical one with 20 fouls for Clayton State and 11 fouls for North Georgia. Each team had four yellow cards.

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 3-2 on the season and 7-0 all-time against North Georgia and will return to action on Saturday, September 20th at 1 p.m. North Georgia will return action on Saturday playing at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. 

###CCSU###

 

Three second half Tusculum goals down Clayton State 4-3 in men’s soccer action Sunday 

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- September 14, 2003 --- A trio of second half goals by Tusculum College was the difference Sunday as the 14th-ranked Pioneers downed Clayton State 4-3 in a non-conference men’s soccer match at Laker Field.

 Freshman forward Andre Nesfield (Arima Trinidad) scored the game-winning goal, his second of the match, 75 minutes into the match on a shot from eight yards out off a pass from sophomore midfielder Gerald Watt (Brampton, Ontario), giving the Pioneers a 4-2 lead.

 Clayton State cut the deficit to 4-3 five minutes later as freshman defender Andre Rall (Johannesburg, South Africa) converted a penalty kick at the 80-minute mark. The Lakers, however, could not come any closer, despite a couple of opportunities in the final five minutes.

 The Lakers led 2-1 at halftime before Tusculum struck with a quick score two minutes in the period to knot the game at two apiece. Junior forward Paul Hopkins (Portsmouth, England) scored from five yards out off a pass from junior midfielder Jonathan Gordon (Glasgow, Scotland).

 Tusculum’s Hopkins struck again at the 75-minute mark with his second goal of the match on a penalty kick, giving the Pioneers their first lead of the match 3-2.

 In the first half, Clayton State jumped out to a quick lead as freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) scored 10 minutes into the match from 15 yards in an open goal situation.

 Tusculum’s Nesfield tied the match at 1-1 at the 18-minute mark after a cross from senior midfielder David DeSouza (Oakville, Ontario), only to have the Lakers retake the lead at the 40-minute mark as Clayton State junior David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) beat Pioneer keeper J.P. Swaminthan (Brampton, Ontario) and scored on a shot from three yards out.

 After an evenly played first half with both teams taking five shots apiece, Tusculum controlled much of the play in the second period taking 13 shots compared to only six for the Lakers.

 Clayton State freshman keeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA) got the loss in the match and had six saves. Swaminathan and senior keeper Michael Zappas (Palm Coast, FL) split the keeper duties for the Pioneers and each had two saves.

 The match was a physical one with 19 fouls for Clayton State and 17 fouls for the Pioneers. Each team had four yellow cards.

 With the loss, the Lakers fall to 2-2 on the season and will return to action on Wednesday, September 17, hosting North Georgia College & State University in a 5 p.m. match. Tusculum improves to 6-0 on the season and will return to action on Wednesday, September 17 at Lenoir-Rhyne College.  

 ###CCSU###

 Presbyterian College strikes early to edge
Clayton State 1-0 in men’s soccer action 

 Game Stats 
Clinton, S.C. --- September 12, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team dropped its first match of season Friday as Presbyterian College struck for a lightning quick goal 37 seconds into the match and held on for a 1-0 victory over the Lakers in Clinton, S.C.

   Presbyterian midfielder Tripp Godbee (Augusta, Ga.) put the Blue Hose on the board early with the goal, which was assisted by sophomore midfielder Trent Weber (Lawerenceville, Ga.) and senior midfielder Guy Campbell (Black Mountain, N.C.).

 The game was evenly matched with PC taking twelve shots and scoring the only goal, while Clayton State took 10 shots. The match was a physical one with over 30 fouls called and six cards given out on the night.

 Clayton State freshman goalkeeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, Ga.) suffered his first loss of the season, collecting two saves, while junior goalkeeper Kevin Czar (Lilburn, Ga.) recorded his third shutout of year.

 The Lakers will have to regroup quickly as the squad returns to action on Sunday with 14th ranked Tusculum College coming to town for a 2 p.m. match at Laker Field. With the loss, the Lakers drop to 2-1 on the season, while Presbyterian improves to 5-0 on the year.

 

###CCSU###

Clayton State men’s soccer slams
Mars Hill 6-1 Saturday at Laker Field

Game Stats 
Morrow, GA --- September 6, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team got off to a slow start on Saturday before going on a second half scoring frenzy, downing Mars Hill College 6-1 at Laker Field in Morrow, GA.

 The Lakers scored five second half goals to defeat Mars Hill after falling behind early in the match. With the win, Clayton State improves to 2-0 on the season and will return to action on Friday, September 12, traveling to face Presbyterian College in a 7 p.m. match. Mars Hill falls to 0-2 on the season and will return the field on Wednesday, September 10, at Lees-McRae College. 

In the first half, Mars Hill jumped out to an early lead on an unassisted goal by sophomore midfielder Paul Buckley (Weaverville, N.C.). He scored on the play after a shot ricocheted off freshmen keeper Heath Padgett (Gainesville, GA).

 Clayton State forward David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa) tied the score at one apiece at the 28-minute mark on a header off a corner kick by junior forward Shaun Baddock (Randhurst, South Africa). Freshman defender Andre Rall (Johannesburg, South Africa) was also credited with an assist after flicking a pass over to Dowling.

 Clayton State exploded in the second half, scoring three goals in under 10 minutes of play. Freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) scored the first goal, breaking a 1-1 tie with a goal at the 55:33 mark. Sophomore forward Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) and sophomore midfielder Joey Donato (Plantation, FL) both had assists on the play.

 The Lakers struck for another goal eight minutes later as LeClerc took a pass from junior forward Anthony Wright (Ashington, England) and beat the keeper with a shot from 20 yards out.  

Baddock gave the Lakers a commanding 4-1 lead with a goal at the 65-minute mark off a pass from freshman Jarrid Nicholoson (Johannesburg, South Africa).

 The Lakers got two more insurance goals late in the second half, the first one by Wright on a penalty kick after a foul in the box at the 83-minute mark. Clayton State’s final goal came on an own goal with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

  Clayton State controlled the match with 21 shots compared to only five shots for the Mountain Lions. MHC keeper Matt Knocks (Greenville, S.C.) finished with seven saves, while Padgett had two for the Lakers.

 ###CCSU###

 

 Clayton State men’s soccer defeats
Lees-McRae 2-1 in overtime Mon.

 Game Stats
Banner Elk, N.C. --- September 1, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team opened the 2003 season on a positive note, defeating Lees-McRae College 2-1 in overtime in Banner Elk, N.C. Monday.  

Clayton State forward Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) scored the game-winning goal in the first minute of the overtime period off an assist from junior forward David Dowling (Johannesburg, South Africa).  

Freshman forward Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) scored the team’s first goal of the season off an assist from junior midfielder Ryan McArdle (Augusta, GA) only to have the Bobcats tie the score at 1-1 apiece before intermission. Niether team scored in the second half, forcing the overtime period.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 1-0 on the season and will return to action on Saturday, September 6, for their home opener against Mars Hill College. Kickoff at Laker Field will be at 2 p.m.

 

##CCSU##

 

Clayton State downs Georgia Perimeter 6-1 in exhibition match; Wright scores three goals

 MORROW, GA --- August 19, 2003 --- It’s only the exhibition season, but if Clayton State newcomer Anthony Wright keeps up at this pace, he’s going to have almost 60 goals on the season.

 For the second match in a row, Wright scored three goals, this time in Tuesday’s 6-1 exhibition victory over Georgia Perimeter College at Laker Field on the campus of Clayton State. Wright also had a trio of goals in the team’s 7-1 exhibition win over the Lightning Club squad Sunday.

 In addition to junior Wright (Newcastle, England), sophomore Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA) and freshman Pa’Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) also had goals in the victory. Senior Shaun Baddock (Randhurst, South Africa), freshman Kyle Ramsey (McDonough, GA) and Jahumpa had assists in the match.

 Clayton State will return to action for its final exhibition match of the preseason on Sunday, August 24, traveling to face Reinhardt College in a 4 p.m. match.

 The Lakers, who were picked earlier today to finish second in the Peach Belt Conference preseason coaches poll, will open the regular season on the road against Lees-McRae on Monday, September 1 at 7 p.m. The team’s first home match will be on Saturday, September 6 against Mars Hill at 2 p.m.

Clayton State picked second in Peach Belt Conference men’s soccer preseason poll

 MORROW, GA --- August 18, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team will open the 2003 season with a lot new faces on the field, but despite all the new players to the program, it still has the respect of many Peach Belt Conference coaches.

Clayton State was picked to finish second in the PBC preseason soccer poll by the league’s seven coaches. USC Spartanburg, who finished last season with a 19-3 record and a fifth place national ranking, was the unanimous pick, garnering six first place votes, the most possible in the poll released Monday by the conference office in Augusta, GA.

“I’m a little surprised that we were picked second with all we have to replace this season,” said five-year head coach John Rootes. “But, we do have a solid group of returnees and assembled one of our strongest recruiting classes.”

The Lakers edged last year’s Peach Belt champion Francis Marion, who won the crown last year with a 15-5 record, for the second spot in the poll, followed by Lander, fourth; North Florida, fifth; USC Aiken, sixth; and UNC Pembroke seventh.

Clayton State will have to replace nine starters from the 2002 squad, a group that combined to play in almost 450 matches in the last three seasons. Those players helped lead the program to a 41-11-8 record over the past three seasons, including two trips to the NCAA Division II national tournament, a Peach Belt Conference Championship and a Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship.

“That group was integral in building our program to national prominence,” said Rootes, the second winningest coach in Division II. “It will now be the job of the 2003 squad to keep that tradition alive and take the next step.”

Last year, Clayton State opened the season with a 7-0 record and climbed to fourth in the country and appeared poised to gun for the school’s first-ever national championship before devastating injuries to the team’s two leading scorers and arguably the two best scorers in school history, took their toll. Despite the injuries, the squad regrouped and finished with the second best record, 12-4-2, in the program’s 11-year history.

The 2003 squad returns a solid core of starters from last year’s team in Shaun Baddock, David Dowling and Scott LeClerc. Alex Dowling also returns to the squad after starring in the 2001 season.

Offensively, Baddock, a junior from Randhurst, South Africa, returns to the club after averaging almost a goal per match in 2002 before a knee injury sidelined him for the season. Baddock was leading the Peach Belt Conference in scoring before his injury and was a big reason for Clayton State’s early season success in 2002, scoring seven goals in the first eight matches.

David Dowling, who scored a NCAA high five goals in a match last season against St. Andrews, led the team in scoring and was named to the 2002 All-Peach Belt Conference team after finishing sixth in the league in scoring. LeClerc, Jonesboro, GA, returns for his sophomore season after starting the final 11 matches as a freshman.

 On the defensive side, Alex Dowling, the brother of David, returns to the sweeper position after sitting out last year. He started 20 matches in 2001 and helped lead the Lakers to a PBC Championship and a PBC low .78 goals against average.

In addition to USCS and Francis Marion another PBC match to circle on the Clayton State schedule will be against rival Lander. A couple of formidable non-conference opponents on the schedule are matches against Lees-McRae and Tusculum. Lees-McRae won the Carolina-Virginia Athletic Conference with a 15-4 record, while Tusculum won the South Atlantic Conference with a 17-3-1 mark.

Clayton State’s first regular season match will be against Lees-McRae on Monday, September 1, followed by the home opener on Saturday, September 6 against Mars Hill at 2 p.m. The team will host Georgia Perimeter in an exhibition match on Tuesday, August 19 at 4 p.m. 

##CCSU##

Clayton State soccer downs Lightning U-18 team 7-1 in exhibition match Sunday

Morrow, GA --- August 17, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team opened its exhibition season with a 7-1 victory Sunday over the Lightning Soccer Club U-18 squad at Laker Field.

Newcomer Anthony Wright, a junior from Newcastle, England, led the offensive attack, scoring three goals in his Clayton State debut. The Lakers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Wright and sophomore Scott LeClerc (Jonesboro, GA). Tadd Sutton, a sophomore from Conyers, GA and senior Vinnie Valez (New York, NY) had assists on the two goals, respectively.

The Lightning Club cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Josh Landis before Wright pocketed his second goal of the half off an assist from Alex Mosley (Augusta, GA) minutes before intermission.

In the second half, Clayton State took control with four goals. Ryan McArdle (Augusta, GA) scored two goals in the period, while Wright scored his third on a penalty kick and LeClerc added his second. Mosley, junior David Dowling (Benoni, South Africa) and Pa'Alasan Jahumpa (London, England) all had assists in the second half.

Clayton State will play its second exhibition match of the season on Tuesday, August 19, hosting Georgia Perimeter in a 4 p.m. match. The team will open the regular season on Monday, September 1, traveling to face Lees-McRae in a 7 p.m. match.

Clayton State's first regular season home match will be Saturday, September 6, hosting Mars Hill in a 2 p.m. match.

Clayton State men’s soccer team 
prepares for 2003 season opener

Morrow, GA --- August 10, 2003 --- The Clayton College & State University men's soccer team is preparing to open the 2003 season and will have several new faces on the field this season.

The Lakers will open preseason practice this week with over 20 new players on the squad. Clayton State will open the regular season on Monday, September 1, traveling to face Lees-McRae in a 7 p.m. match. The squad has a trio of exhibition matches on tap with the first one at Laker Field on Sunday, August 17, against Georgia 86 ODP. 

The men’s soccer program has compiled a 41-11-8 record over the past three seasons, which includes two trips to the NCAA Division II national tournament, a Peach Belt Conference Championship and a Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship.

If the program is to continue its meteoric rise in Division II soccer, it will be with several new starters as the Lakers have to replace nine starters off the 2002 squad. However, the 2003 squad does return a  solid core of starters, including Shaun Baddock, David Dowling, Scott LeClerc and Alex Dowling. 

Offensively, Shaun Baddock returns to the club after averaging a goal per match in 2002 before a knee injury sidelined him for the season. Baddock is the club's most seasoned veteran, having started on Clayton State's 18-3-1 team that advanced to the 2000 NCAA Regionals. 

All-PBC performer David Dowling, who scored a NCAA high five goals in a match last season, returns for his junior season after leading the Lakers in scoring last year. Also, Scott LeClerc returns after starting the final 11 matches as a freshman. On defense, Alex Dowling returns to the sweeper position after sitting out last year. He started 20 matches in 2001 and helped lead the Lakers to a PBC Championship and a PBC low .78 goals against average.

Three of the toughest holes to fill off last year’s team will be that of keeper Warren van der Westhuizen, midfielder Jose "Zuca" Palladino and forward Barry Casebeer. Westhuizen ranks as one of the nation’s top all-time goalies and holds virtually all PBC records for goalkeeping. Palladino led the nation in 2002 with 17 assists, while Casebeer finished his three-year career second on the all-time CCSU goals scored list, despite missing much of the 2002 season with an injury.

Last year, Clayton State opened the 2002 season with a 7-0 record and climbed to fourth in country before season-ending injuries to the team’s two leading scorers took their toll. Despite the injuries, head coach John Rootes, the second all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division II, was still able to guide the team to a 12-4-2 record, second best in school history.

Clayton State's first regular season home match will be Saturday, September 6, hosting Mars Hill in a 2 p.m. match.