Lacey's late goal gives Winthrop men's soccer team the Big South title

By Staff Reports - The Herald

CONWAY -- Matt Lacey's first goal of the season in the 86th minute capped off a dramatic comeback for Winthrop in a 3-2 victory over Coastal Carolina to capture the Big South Conference regular season title, Wednesday evening in men's soccer action.

Lacey benefited from a counter attack as Rafael Araujo received a pass, turned to the middle and found Lacey streaking down the middle of the field wide open. He took about 3-4 touches and instead of continuing in for a one-on-one with the keeper, he lined up a shot from 30 yards and pinged it into the top corner for the goal.

The first goal of the season couldn't have come at a better time as it ended a seven-game losing streak against Coastal Carolina. It was Winthrop's first victory on the road at Coastal since 1991.

Winthrop's last victory over the Chanticleers came in the championship game of the 2002 Big South Tournament in Rock Hill.

"I think we showed great spirit as we were down a goal twice in the match," Eagles associate head coach Daniel Ridenhour said. "It was an excellent showing by our seniors not allowing us to give up. There were some great goals in the second half to win this game.

"Matt Lacey gave a fantastic performance. The back line really locked things down after allowing the second goal. This was a complete team win. Everyone that came in contributed to the match."

The Eagles trailed 2-1 after Coastal Carolina (8-8-1, 5-2-1) took the lead in the 52nd minute off a header from Ross Kelly from a corner kick by Robert Hunter.

Winthrop (13-4, 6-1) continued to apply the pressure and finally broke through in the 81st minute as Miquel Casajuana scored his sixth of the season after just checking back into the game. Casajuana made a run off the ball, and Revivo flipped a pass behind the Chanticleers' defense. Casajuana ripped a shot into the top left corner from 10 yards out at the near post.

Coastal Carolina jumped on the scoreboard five minutes and 24 seconds into the game when it was awarded a penalty kick. Hunter stepped up and drilled the ball into the lower left corner and led at the break.

Winthrop finally scored In the 49th minute. Matthew Skonicki, who has missed the last two games with an injury that was supposed to keep him out until the Big South Conference Tournament, scored his ninth goal of the season. Coastal Carolina's defense had a poor clear on the ground that came outside the box, and Skonicki was right there for the shot into the open net.

"The thing that made the difference the most were the fans that made the trip to support the team," Ridenhour said. "We're grateful and appreciative for them making the trip. "

The Eagles clinched the top seed for next week's conference tournament which will be hosted by Coastal Carolina in Conway. Winthrop still has one more league game as it will face High Point on Saturday at 2 p.m. for Senior Day.