2008 Woodie Awards
Great Scott! Spartans win on Jones' late goal
UNCG scores two goals in final 12 minutes; advance to second round
Brad Howell
Issue date: 11/14/06 Section: Sports
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The Spartans (15-7-1) will now hit the road to take on West Virginia (15-2-3) Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Scott Jones scored with 34 seconds remaining on a free kick to send the Spartans to their second consecutive opening round tournament win. UNCG also defeated the Hokies on penalty kicks in the second round last season in Blacksburg.
The Spartans thoroughly outplayed Virginia Tech in the first 45 minutes, but the tide turned early in the second half. A miscue in the backfield with 32 minutes to play gave the Hokies a 1-0 advantage, silencing the stunned home crowd.
Freshman keeper Nate Berry left the box to challenge for a loose ball, but Hokie forward Patrick Nyarko beat Berry to the spot before he could gain control. Nyarko easily rolled the ball into the open net for the score.
The Spartans had the wind taken from their sails after Nyarko's goal, but Thomas Campbell was able to break through with 12:54 remaining on the clock.
Jones took control of a loose ball and played it to Campbell to the right of the box. The sophomore forward loaded up and struck a laser into the bottom left corner of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
"I got the ball and everyone just backed off," said Campbell. "The far post was wide open and I just hit it."
Just when it seemed the game was destined for overtime, Virginia Tech was whistled for a foul at the top of the box with 55 seconds remaining.
Jones' free kick wasn't your typical goal. The senior midfielder took the shot soon after the ball was placed on the ground. Jones claims his last minute heroics were simply a case of taking advantage of what the defense offered.
"I was getting ready to take (the shot) and Jokull was like, 'Scott! Look up! Look up!' You can give Jokull the assist on that one," Jones joked during the post-game press conference.
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