Barnett’s Two Goals Lead Men’s Soccer Over Bucs

10/11/07

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University’s men’s soccer team rode the offensive curtails of Dwight Barnett in a 2-1 victory over cross-town rival Barry University. Barnett scored two goals, his third multi-goal game of the season and sixth of his career, in helping the Fighting Knights win their third consecutive game. Lynn improves to 12-1 overall and 4-1 in the Sunshine State Conference.



“I tell you, this was a tough game for us,” said head coach Shaun Pendleton. “Barry was very physical throughout the contest and that kind of threw us off. Plus we missed a couple of scoring chances that kept the game closer than it should have been. But the end result is what matters and I’m happy we were able to pick up another win.”



In what has been customary against Barry (5-7-1, 0-4-1 SSC) this season, the Blue and White jumped out to an early lead within the first 15 minutes of the contest. The Bucs have been scored on within the first 15 minutes of the game five times this year. James Hayers sent a long pass over the defense and into the dead space just outside the box. Buccaneer keeper Devala Gorrick charged out off his line but couldn’t reach the loose ball in time as Barnett headed it over his hands and walked in the ball for the goal.



A sellout crowd was stunned in the second half when BU tied the game up at 1-1 in the 57th minute. Vuk Kojic made his way into the Knights box and fired a shot on net. Tim Melia made the initial save but saw the ball deflect out of his hands back to Kojic, who scored on the open net.



Lynn had several chances to take the lead, with Keishen Bean and Barnett each missing on opportunities within the 18-yard box. Barnett finally scored the game-winner in the 75th minute of play, running past the Barry defense, tracking down a long pass and shooting low and to the right in his one-on-one with Gorrick. Barnett tied his career-high with 12 goals and is one point shy of last season’s total.



Melia managed three saves while Gorrick tallied eight stops in the losing effort. Lynn out shot Barry 15-9 and won the corner kick battle 13-0.





The Fighting Knights travel to face Saint Leo University on Saturday, October 13, at 7:30 pm. Fans can follow the action live by logging on to www.lynn.edu/athletics and selecting the “live audio” and “live stats” links.