Lakers rebound, rout visiting Tusculum 5-0
Freshman Geathers records hat trick as fifth-ranked Clayton State improves to 4-1-1

MORROW, Ga. – September 15, 2007 – The Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team didn’t stay down for long after Wednesday’s disappointing defeat against Savannah College of Art & Design.

With freshman forward Jamal Geathers recording his first career collegiate hat trick, fifth-ranked Clayton State got back its winning edge on Saturday with a convincing 5-0 shutout over visiting Tusculum at Laker Field. So far this season, all the Laker victories have been shutouts.

Clayton State took control early with four first half goals.

Geathers scored his first in the 21st minute off a left cross from freshman defender Brett Neilsen. Twelve minutes later, senior forward Tonny Madegwa made it 2-0 Lakers as he scored off a deflection in the penalty box.

The final two goals of the opening half came from Geathers. He scored in the 37th minute off an incoming pass from junior midfielder Johnny Lara, and then again in the 42nd minute off a double-assist by Madegwa and senior midfielder Hailab Habtom.

Junior forward Angel Kalinov accounted for the only Laker goal in the second half, scoring from the top of the penalty box off an assist by Madegwa. Madegwa and Lara each finished with two assists for the game.

Clayton State outshot Tusculum (2-5) 18-13. However, the 13 shots by the Pioneers were the most by a Laker opponent so far this season. Senior goalkeeper Janiel Simon, making his first Clayton State start, recorded the shutout with six saves.

The Lakers hit the road on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. non-conference encounter at Erskine.