BANNER ELK, N.C. – September 6, 2007 – Thursday’s showdown between Clayton State and Lees-McRae in a battle Division II Top 25 ranked men’s soccer teams more than lived up to its billing. It ended, however, in a draw as 15th-ranked Clayton State and 19th-ranked Lees-McRae battled to a 2-2 tie at Lees-McRae’s Tate Field.

The deadlock leaves both teams unbeaten on the 2007 season. Clayton State is 2-0-1, while Lees-McRae is 4-0-1.

It appeared that the homestanding Bobcats, despite playing a man down due to a red card against midfielder Matt Lacey, would hold on, clinging to a 2-1 lead. But Clayton State had enough left in the final three minutes as Hailab Habtom scored from the top of the penalty box off an assist by Jamal Geathers.

Neither team could muster a strong attack in both overtime periods to force the draw.

Lees-McRae drew first blood in the 15th minute as Berin Boracic scored unassisted from the right side of the penalty box. However, the Lakers provided the equalizer in the 28th minute as Geathers hammered home a 20-yarder from the left side of the penalty box.

The Bobcats then took a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute as Diego Cordeiro scored on a penalty kick.

The game was very physical with a combined 41 fouls between the two teams and six yellow cards to go with the red card against Lees-McRae. Clayton State out-shot Lees-McRae 17-7 for the game.

The Lakers conclude their swing through western North Carolina on Friday with a 4 p.m. contest at Brevard.