For Immediate Release – 9/6/16 - #029
Randolph Runs Rampant in 5-1 Win Over Averett

DANVILLE, VA – The Randolph College men's soccer team went on a three-goal, 14-minute blitz in the first half to help defeat the hosts, Averett University, 5-1 on Tuesday night.

The Cougars earned the first attempt of the game, but it sailed over the crossbar.  Then with 8:29 Travis Brown sent his first shot of the game at the goal, but it was stopped by Austin Bramhall.  A corner ensued, but Troy Jurney's shot was also saved.  However, the 'Cats kept up the attack and Jurney found Brown in the box and Brown finished it for his first of the season.

Randolph continued its onslaught as Blake Heatherly attempted two more shots, but neither went in the back of the net.  However, Nate Juth found Adam Watson in the perfect position at 20:42.  Watson slotted his shot into the back of the net, putting the 'Cats up 2-0.  Just over three minutes later, Heatherly sent a thru-ball into the box to Watson.  Watson completed his brace and the blitz by beating the goalkeeper.

The following 15 minutes of action saw several shots on both sides, but neither team could connect.  At the 41:34 mark, the story changed once again.  Joe Thames made the pass this time into the box, where Gabe Krueger was waiting for it.  It was Krueger's turn to beat the Averett goalie, and he did so.  His first collegiate goal put Randolph up 4-0.  But, the Cougars answered with a late one to cut the score to 4-1 entering the intermission.

The second half saw the keepers become more prevalent in the action.  Erick Cortez-Martinez made two early saves to keep the Randolph advantage at three, before his counterpart Austin Bramhall made four of his own.

Despite Bramhall's play, the WildCats were the more dominant team, sending many more shots near the goal.  In between those four saves, were five other attempts.  The team would not be denied the fifth, as Krueger finished his first career brace.  Jamie Ford-Lane got his first career point, assisting on the 17-yard blast with just over 15 minutes remaining.  It would be the final fireworks in the victory.

Randolph ripped 24 shots in the win, with 15 going on net.  The 'Cats also earned eight more corner kicks in the win (11-3).  Cortez-Martinez earned his first collegiate victory, stopping four shots.  Bramhall made nine saves in the loss for the Cougars (1-2 overall). 

Randolph (1-1) will play twice this weekend at the NCWC Fall Classic.  The WildCats take on the hosts, North Carolina Wesleyan College (1-1), at 3:30 p.m on Saturday.

###