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MORROW, Ga. - August 28, 2008 – Missed opportunities offensively came back to roost for the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team on Thursday as it dropped its season opener 2-0 against visiting Nova Southeastern at Laker Field.

In a match up of two defending conference champions – Clayton State from the Peach Belt Conference, Nova Southeastern from the Sunshine State Conference, the Lakers had ample opportunities to convert. However, stellar defense by the Sharks, particularly from defenders Chris Pruitt and Alvin Quaye, kept Clayton State at bay despite 17 shots.

After a scoreless first half, Nova Southeastern drew first blood when David Wahlberg out-maneuvered Clayton State’s Ben Leblois on the left flank, darted his way towards the center top of the penalty box and hammered home a goal in the 54th minute.

Despite playing a man down due to a red card on defender Liam Brown, Clayton State kept attacking with nine shots in the second half. The Lakers had a golden opportunity with a free kick at point-blank range. However, two shots were deflected inside the penalty box with two minutes remaining.

Nova Southeastern capitalized in the 88th minute as Darryl Gordon took a cross from Juan Gonzalez, put a move on Laker goalkeeper Glen Fox and scored the all-important insurance goal for the Sharks.

Fox recorded six saves for Clayton State, while his Nova Southeastern counterpart Travis Frazier scored six saves for the shutout.

Clayton State is back in action on Saturday night at 7 p.m., playing host to Barry at Laker Field.