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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
American
American Thriller
October 09, 2002 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 9, 2002
Box Score
Princeton, N.J. - Freshman Darren Spicer scored with just five seconds remaining in regulation to give Princeton a 3-2 win over the American Eagles on Wednesday night at Lourie-Love Field. Spicer's goal capped a two-goal second half for Princeton, snapping a four-game skid.
The Tigers took an early lead with sophomore Adrian Melville knocking in a header off of junior Jeff Hare's feed. Melville's goal was his second of the season and second in the last three games. The Eagles answered quickly with a goal of their own only three minutes later. American would take the lead off a direct kick from Shawn Kuykendall, who wrapped the ball around Princeton's line to find the upper-right corner of the net. The halftime score had American up 2-1. "After American took a 2-1 lead if felt like we were saying here we go again," says Melville. "Coach Barlow really picked us up at the half and had us believing that we were going to win."
Less than five minutes into the second half of play, senior Matt Douglas tied up the game with Hare again on the assist. The game would remain tied with both teams turning up the defensive pressure. It was Spicer who connected on his second goal of the year, sliding into a ball that had trickled between a defender's legs.
"We had our shots and they just weren't falling," says Spicer."This is exactly what we needed right now."
The Tigers break American's five-game winning streak, dropping the Eagles to 10-3 on the year. Princeton improves to 2-5-2 as sophomore Erik White picks up his first collegiate win in goal. White finished the game with two saves.
Princeton will play its next two games on the road, facing Hartwick this Saturday at 7 p.m.
Teams American (10-3-0) 2 0 -- 2 Princeton (2-5-2) 1 2 -- 3Scoring Team Goal (Assist) Time Score Prin Adrian Melville (Jeff Hare) 13:20 1-0 AU Andrew Herman (Shawn Kuykendall) 16:46 1-1 AU Shawn Kuykendall (unassisted) 30:08 1-2 Prin Matt Douglas (Jeff Hare) 49:28 2-2 Prin Darren Spicer (Ryan Rich) 89:55 3-2
Goalies American Michael Behonick 90 min., 3 goals-against, 5 saves Prin Erik White 90 min., 2 goals-against, 2 saves
Shots Princeton 17 American 13
Corner Kicks Princeton 2 American 8
Yellow Cards Princeton 2 American 2
Offside Princeton 1 American 11
Attendance 366