WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Continuing to put the finishing touches on one of the greatest careers in American soccer history, Adam Rosen scored two goals to lead the Eagles to a 3-0 win over host Wake Forest in the second round of the 2001 NCAA Men's College Cup.
American (13-7-2) advances to face No. 7 North Carolina next Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Carolina's Fetzer Field. The Eagles will be making their third trip all-time to the Round of 16, and its first since 1997, when they advanced to the Elite Eight.
"What an incredible run we have had," said Todd West, American's second-year head coach. "These players have worked so hard for this, and I could not be happier for them.
"Our season was in the balance a few weeks ago, but the effort and attention to detail improved, and we turned it around. Now, here we are in the Sweet 16. I could not ask any more of them."
The Eagles got on the board in the 12th minute when David Pryor carried the ball down the right side and sent a lead pass to Andrew Herman. Herman carried the ball into the box and slipped it to Rosen, who touched a right-footed shot into the lower corner.
The Deacons were limited in their chances in the first half but threatened with eight minutes to go before halftime when Christian Lonteen had the ball for several moments deep inside the penalty area but couldn't get a shot through the American defense. The teams entered halftime with American on top by a goal.
The Eagles extended their lead to two goals in the 67th minute when Herman controlled a bouncing ball about 25 yards out and dribbled into the area before tucking a shot inside the far post.
Wake Forest argued after the play, believing Herman had gained possession by using his hands. The ensuing arguments resulted in a yellow card to goalkeeper William Hesmer and a red card to Aaron Thomas. Thomas' red forced the Deacons to play shorthanded for the final 24 minutes.
"Kris Kuykendall made a great effort to get me the ball," Herman said. "I took it and put it in the back of the net. The team played great and our coaches prepared us for this tremendously."
During the remaining 24 minutes, almost all the action was in front of the American goal with Wake Forest having a couple opportunities, but none that resulted in goals. American was able to counter-attack in the 81st minute and put the game away on Rosen's second goal of the game.
"We didn't win a 50-50 ball in the first half and that prevented us from getting organized," head coach Jay Vidovich said. "American scored on each of their opportunities and they deserve credit for that. They did the same thing against Ohio State on Friday night."
"We are extremely excited about the win," said West. "American is a small university, but a university with an outstanding soccer tradition. Some may call this an upset, but we're a team known for our postseason runs and we expect to win in the playoffs."
American improved its NCAA record to 9-5 all-time and is making its first appearance in the NCAAs since 1997, when the Eagles advanced to the Elite Eight. American is in its inaugural season as a member of the Patriot League.
The Eagles received an automatic berth to the 2001 Men's College Cup by virtue of its Patriot League Championship. American defeated Lehigh, 1-0, in the Patriot League semifinals, and then played to a 1-1 tie with Holy Cross in the title game, before advancing on penalty kicks, 5-3.
SCORING SUMMARY:
1-2-F
American (13-7-2) 1 - 2 - 3
Wake Forest (13-6-2) 0 - 0 - 0
Goals:
11:30 AU Adam Rosen (9) (Andrew Herman)
66:15 AU Andrew Herman (10) (Unassisted)
80:26 AU Adam Rosen (10) (Kris Kuykendall, Kris Bertsch)
Shots: Wake Forest 7, American 11
Saves: Wake Forest 2 (Hesmer 1, Team 1), American 1 (Behonick 1)
Fouls: Wake Forest 14, American 19
Corner Kicks: Wake Forest 7, American 2
Offsides: Wake Forest 1, American 3
Cautions: Wake Forest 3 (Aaron Thomas - 38:14, William Hesmer - 66:15, Ryan
Caugherty - 82:51), American 2 (Jonathon Colton, Charlie Koniver).
Ejections: Wake Forest 1 (Aaron Thomas - 66:15), American 0.
Attendance: 345
