TIGERVILLE, S.C. --- OCTOBER 4, 2006 --- Needing a victory in the worst possible way, the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team got back on the winning track on Wednesday with a 4-2 road victory at North Greenville. The victory ended a four-game losing streak for Clayton State, which improves to 5-7 overall heading into Saturday’s Peach Belt Conference showdown at UNC-Pembroke.

Clayton State took control of the game early with three goals in the first half.

Junior midfielder Hailab Habtom scored the first of his two goals in the eighth minute of the game off an assist by Kevin Crooks. After the Crusaders tied the score in the 13^th minute on a goal by Bruno Contardo, Clayton State took the lead for good a minute later when Kevin Crooks scored on an assist by Habtom.

The Lakers weren’t finished. Freshman Matthias Faublas gave Clayton State a 3-1 lead at halftime with a goal in the 16^th minute off an assist by Johnny Lara.

In the second half, North Greenville trimmed the Laker lead to 3-2 on a goal in the 75^th minute by Daniel Cobb. However, Clayton State sealed it in the 85^th minute when Habtom struck again, this time on an assist by Dean Gilewciz.

Clayton State goalkeepers Heath Padgett and Chris Cantrell combined for five saves in the victory. The game was very physical, with a combined 28 fouls called.

The showdown between Clayton State and UNC-Pembroke is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. at Pembroke’s Belk Field.