GREENWOOD, S.C. - October 20, 2007 – The most anticipated game in the Peach Belt Conference for men’s soccer this season more than lived up to its billing on Saturday. It was more rewarding for the Clayton State Lakers as they pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory at Lander in a battle of the conference’s two Division II Top 20-ranked teams.

The victory improves 16th-ranked Clayton State to 11-3-1 overall and 4-1 in the Peach Belt. Clayton State is now in a first-place tie with USC-Aiken atop the Peach Belt standings.

It marked the Lakers’ first victory over Lander since 2002, and Clayton State’s first victory at Lander since 2001. Also, Laker head coach Pete Petersen prevailed against Lander for the first time in five tries.

Clayton State clearly dominated the first half, out-shooting Lander 12-1. The Lakers took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute as freshman forward Jamal Geathers out-raced two Lander defenders down the right sideline and scored from 15 yards out. Clayton State increased the lead to 2-0 in the 28th minute when senior Tonny Madegwa scored off the deflection from a direct kick by teammate Marijan Babic.

Lander would not fold. The determined Bearcats trimmed the lead in half in the 54th minute when Nick Cooke scored on an open net after Clayton State goalkeeper Janiel Simon mishandled an incoming pass off a direct kick.

The Bearcats had a golden opportunity to tie it five minutes later, but Aaron Brittain misfired on a wide-open shot from the right side of the penalty box. From there, Clayton State’s defense went into lockdown mode to preserve the thrilling victory.

Clayton State limited Lander to only seven shots for the game as Simon recorded three saves. Garrett Daum recorded six saves for Lander (10-3-2, 4-2). The game was physical with a total of eight cards issued, including a red card against Lander with three minutes remaining in the game.

Clayton State returns home for a key Southeast Region showdown against Conference Carolinas’ power Limestone at 7 p.m.