Oct. 12, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - Senior Daniel Heavey punched in the winning goal with only three and half minutes remaining in regulation to complete La Salle's come-from-behind upset win over No. 20 Charlotte on Sunday afternoon. The win moves the Explorers to 2-7-3 (1-1 Atlantic 10), while the 49ers fall to 9-3 (1-1 Atlantic 10).
Sophomore Colin Whalen set up Heavey's game-winning goal by cutting the ball through the defense to the right side, which Heavey sent into the back of the net. The score was Heavey's second of the season.
The Explorers found themselves down 2-0 at the halftime break. Charlotte's Chris Salvaggione opened the scoring in the 24th minute by heading in a cross from teammate Luke Exley.
The 49ers went up 2-0 four minutes later when they were awarded a penalty kick, taken by Adam Gross.
That was all the scoring the 49ers would do though as the Explorers came out firing in the second half. Junior Jim Guntle put the home squad on the board in the 51st minute. Sophomore Ryan Richter threw in the ball which was cleared out, but Guntle found the loose ball and shot it in to the right side of the net.
Freshman Tom Kalpokas netted the equalizer at the 82:34 mark on a rebound shot. Guntle fired a shot that hit off the left post and Kalpokas headed it in for the score. That marked Kalpokas's third goal this weekend and the third of his young career.
"Today we showed character," Head Coach Pat Farrell said. "We've played highly regarded teams - we have not had an easy run through the schedule. That was to prepare us for [Atlantic 10 play] and this weekend."
The Explorers finished a successful first weekend in Atlantic 10 play. After being held to only one goal between Sept. 17 and Oct. 10, they found the back of the net five times this weekend, both times against Top 25 opponents.
"The teams that advance in this league are the ones that generate points every single weekend," Farrell said. "Emotion generates energy and energy generates excitement. [It's that excitement] that generates the goals.
"On Friday, we proved that we belong. Today, we proved that we can win."
"This is a big win," Heavey said. "We needed this win. Coach [Farrell] told me to get to the back post. The shot came over and I was there to shoot [the ball] in."
The Explorer offense continued to come alive today as they held a 15-14 shot advantage. They also overcame a 10-1 corner kick deficit.
Senior Andrew Bernhard earned the win in goal for the Explorers and made four saves in the effort. Charlotte keeper David Martin made five stops and suffered the loss.
The Explorers return to McCarthy Stadium on Friday (10/17) for the final game of their current five-game homestand as they host Fordham at 7 p.m.
