Pioneers race past C-N in regular season finale
Just when Carson-Newman (4-9-3, 3-7-1 SAC) tied the game up in the 67th minute, Tusculum (2-10-2, 2-7-2 SAC) had a response, scoring twice in the next four minutes to defeat the Eagles 3-1 in the two teams’ season finale Wednesday night at Pioneer field.
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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Just when Carson-Newman (4-9-3, 3-7-1 SAC) tied the game up in the 67th minute, Tusculum (2-10-2, 2-7-2 SAC) had a response, scoring twice in the next four minutes to defeat the Eagles 3-1 in the two teams' season finale Wednesday night at Pioneer field.
"Absolute disaster tonight," Carson-Newman men's soccer head coach Stephen Lyons said. "We knew what to expect coming in and simply did not perform close to what we are capable of. We also had an idea through the game that a win would get us into the tournament. Too many basic errors and giveaways. Doesn't matter who you play, if you constantly give them opportunities they will score. Not efficient enough on the attack either. Really need to take some time to evaluate where we are because this simply isn't good enough. I would like to thank the seniors for their time here at C-N and we wish them the best."
It took 21 minutes for either side to record a shot in the contest. The first came off of a free kick from Devin Vital that hit off the left post and went out of play.
Carson-Newman's first two shots of the night came from Antoine Torrent, both of which missed high in the 23rd and 28th minutes.
The only shot on frame in the opening half came late in the 39th minute. Maxime Wester's shot into the top left shelf was knocked out by TU goalkeeper Sondre Liahagen Kolnes.
The Eagles began to apply tons of pressure to start the second half. Wester and Ben Dukes both delivered shots on frame eight minutes into the half but saw Kolnes make stops.
Paul Csmarich took his first of the game in the 57th minute, but saw Kolnes making a diving stop on the shot attempt toward the bottom right corner.
Tusculum's first three shots on goal in the match all came in the same sequence. Felix Triftshauser took the first shot toward the center of goal and saw C-N goalkeeper Federico Simonetti make a diving stop. The rebound went to Gui Busato who saw his shot toward the bottom center saved again, but the ball trickled along the end line and was kept in play by David Evans who rocketed a shot into the back of the net to give TU the lead.
Carson-Newman would respond back in the 67th minute. Dukes fired a shot that deflected off a TU defender and right to Daniel Vennesland who rocketed a left-footed shot into the back of the net to level the match with his second goal of the season.
However, the Pioneers would not allow C-N to grab the momentum. Lars Schutrups delivered a pass to Mason Clark off a free kick and Clark lifted a shot over Simonetti to give TU the advantage for good in the 69th minute.
The Pioneers added to their advantage in the 71st minute as David Evans scored his second goal of the game.
C-N had some looks to draw close again. Dukes had a shot attempt saved in the 79th minute, C-N's last attempt at goal.
All three of Carson-Newman's corner kicks came consecutively in the final few minutes of the game.
The Eagles outshot the Pioneers 15-11 but shots on goal were even at six.
The physical match saw the two squads combine for 30 fouls and five cards.
The loss ends Carson-Newman's season at 4-9-3.
Team Stats
Tusculum
| Game Statistics | Carson-Newman | Tusculum |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 15 (6) | 11 (6) |
| Saves | 3 | 5 |
| Fouls | 13 | 17 |
| Corner Kicks | 3 | 3 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
