University of Louisville
CHARLOTTE
Men's Soccer Registers Shutout against Charlotte
November 06, 2002 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 6, 2002
Louisville, Ky. - The University of Louisville men's soccer team (7-10-2, 5-3-1) shutout Charlotte (9-6-2, 4-4-1) Wednesday night in Cardinal Park. The win marks the Cards fifth straight conference and set a new record for most C-USA wins.
"I thought the tone of the game was set when Adrian Cann left the game," said head coach Tony Colavecchia. "Devin Matthews took over and the spirit of the team was lifted. The team played for Adrian and dedicated the game to him.
"There were a lot of outstanding performances tonight. Nick McDevitt and Matt Neely were a brick wall tonight. The backfield was just outstanding."
Junior Adrian Cann, a two-time first team all-conference performer, left just five minutes into the game and did not return.
Sophomore Devin Matthews scored off a cross from Matt Rose to put the Cards up 1-0 in the 34th minute of play. Then four minutes later Simon Bird struck off a free kick from Jelani Grant to put the Cards up 2-0 at the half.
"We went into the half and decided we were going to hunt for the third goal," said Colavecchia. "We were not going to sit back and protect the lead."
Fourteen minutes into the second half, junior Fernando Tolomelli struck again for the Cardinals from 30 yards out, sealing the win.
Freshman keeper Brad Sokolowski collected three saves, all in the first half to register his third shutout of the season. Charlotte keeper Lucas Mackanos had one save in the second half. Louisville outshot Charlotte 11-4 for the game.
"I am very proud of this team," Colavecchia said. "They have come so far and been through so much adversity with all the injuries. I have to give all the credit to my players and coaching staff they have done a wonderful job."
The Cardinals will wrap up the regular season in Cardinal Park on Saturday, Nov. 9 as they host DePaul at 7:00 p.m. Admission to all Cardinal Park events is free.
