Cougars Earn Second Consecutive Victory After Defeating Asbury

(Wilmore, KY)--  The Cleary University men's soccer team scored a goal in the game's 67th minute, and it would be all the team needed, as the Cougars held on to defeat the host Asbury University Eagles in a non-conference game Friday evening.

Asbury would be the more dangerous team in the early goings, as they were able to maintain possession in Cleary's defensive third, and prevented Cleary from being able to clear the ball out of their zone.  This persistent possession put pressure on the Cougar defense, and forced Cougar goalkeeper Vaios Papadoudis to make some excellent reaction saves to keep the game scoreless.  Cleary was almost gifted a goal just past the halfway mark of the first half, as Asbury's goalkeeper passed the ball directly to Cleary's Eliya Budugure, but Budugure fired his shot attempt high over the net.  That opportunity seemed to wake up the Cougars, as they started to grow more into the game, but were still unable to break through before halftime.

In the second half, both teams picked up the intensity and the pressure, as they tried to get the other to make the costly mistake.  Cleary's use of a high back line drew the Eagle into multiple offside calls, though once again the hosts seemed to be the more dangerous team in the game.  After Asbury put the ball out of play in the 67th minute in the Eagles zone, Conner Savidge attempted a long throw into the penalty area.  Asbury partially cleared the ball, but it fell to the feet of Elijah Selembe, who cut back towards the middle and the top of the box before firing a low and curling ball into the goal to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.  Cleary would withstand a furious rally attempt by Asbury to equalize, but Vaios Papadoudis and his defense stood tall, earning their second shutout of the season.

"The lads played their hearts out tonight," said Cougar head coach Dan Bulley.  "They showed (so much) resilience.  We stuck together, absorbed the pressure in the second half well, and Vaios (Papadoudis) made some fine saves.  It was a moment of magic from Elijah (Selembe) to win us the game.  We are a very proud coaching staff."

Selembe's goal was his first as a Cleary Cougar, and he accomplished it with one shot on goal.  Asbury outshot Cleary 15-10 in the game.  Cleary goalkeeper Vaios Papadoudis was excellent in goal with 7 saves, including 4 great reaction saves from close range, to pick up his second win of the season, and his second shutout of the season.  

Cleary improves to 2-2-2, and will complete their non-conference schedule on Sunday as they take the Georgetown College Tigers.  Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM at Georgetown's Toyota Stadium.