Clayton State outlasts determined Georgia Southwestern in double-overtime
Crooks scores twice, including game-winner, as Lakers improve to 7-7 overall and 3-1 in Peach Belt

MORROW, Ga. — OCTOBER 11, 2006 — Playing a team that came into Wednesday’s game with only two victories on the season, the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team had its pride, heart and adversity tested to the bitter end by a determined Georgia Southwestern team at Laker Field.

However, Kevin Crooks scored the game-winning goal in the 104th minute of the second overtime period to give the Lakers a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Georgia Southwestern. The victory is the third straight for Clayton State, which is now 7-7 overall. More importantly, the Lakers improve to 3-1 overall and are now in a three-way tie for second place in the Peach Belt with UNC-Pembroke and USC-Upstate.

This was a physical contest with all types of drama involved. The game was stopped for 10 minutes in the first half due to a thunder and lightning delay. Also, there was a combined 50 fouls called and yellow and red cards issued combined.

Georgia Southwestern (2-10, 0-6) was smelling upset after taking a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute on a penalty kick goal by Etchu Tabe. However, Clayton State found new life when Junior Smith scored the tying goal in the 82nd minute off an attempt Hurricane clear.

Following a scoreless first overtime period, Georgia Southwestern was whistled for a foul on the Clayton State right wing. Quickly, Smith sent a direct kick to Crooks, who scored the game-winner past Georgia Southwestern goalkeeper Conrad Brown.

Overall, Crooks scored twice for Clayton State. He gave the Lakers a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute off an incoming feed by Jordan Gilbert. Georgia Southwestern tied the game in the 27th minute on a goal by Jonathan Smith.

Clayton State goalkeeper Heath Padgett recorded three saves in the victory, while his Hurricane counterpart Brown recorded six saves.

Clayton State plays host to Francis Marion on Homecoming Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Laker Field.