Williams, Adamski spark MOC victory

Published in Sports on August 27, 2006 2:12 AM

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MOC Sports Information

MOUNT OLIVE -- Charles Williams scored the game's first goal in the eighth minute; and Ryan Adamski added a goal and an assist as Mount Olive defeated North Georgia 5-0 on day one of the 2006 Sleep Inn Classic at Trojan Field.

Five different players scored for Mount Olive, which recorded a shutout in its season opener for the third consecutive year.

Mount Olive (1-0-0) got on the scoreboard on its second shot attempt as Chris Jasso's service found Williams on the right side of the box and Williams struck the ball to the far post to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead.

Mount Olive took 10 shots before North Georgia (0-1-0) notched its first shot. But the Saints were able to stay within a goal until Adamski scored on Matt Wallin's corner kick in the 31st minute as the Trojans went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

"It makes things easier when you score early," said Adamski. "We got off to a strong start in the first half, but we need to do a better job finishing opportunities."

North Georgia goalkeeper Brandon Kirksey prevented an almost certain goal late in the first half, deflecting Wallin's shot from 10 yards out and making the save while on his back.

Erik Small gave Mount Olive a 3-0 lead 10 minutes into the second half as he took a service from Adamski and scored from the top of the 18. Freshman Donte Haynes' breakaway goal off an assist from P.J. Pugliese in the 83rd minute extended the Trojans' lead to 4-0. Matt Hobbs capped the scoring in the 90th minute, scoring on a corner kick from Edwin De La Cueva.

North Georgia had its best scoring chance in the 61st minute when Carlos Manelia's shot from the top of the box hit off the right post. Mount Olive outshot North Georgia 20-3, including a 13-1 margin in the first half.

Goalkeepers Chase Smith and Chris Roush each played a half to combine for the shutout for Mount Olive. Kirksey finished with six saves.

"This was a big regional win against a good team," said head coach Jerry Riggs. "It always feels good to start the season on a winning note."

In the day's first match, Drew Courtney tallied a goal and an assist as nationally 14th-ranked Lander broke away from a scoreless first half to defeat St. Andrews 2-0. Lander outshot St. Andrews 10-1 in the second half and 14-3 for the match. Adam Arthur added a goal for Lander.

The Sleep Inn Classic concludes today with another doubleheader. North Georgia takes on St. Andrews in the opener at 1 p.m., followed by Mount Olive against Lander at 3:30 p.m. The Trojans defeated Lander 3-2 in overtime in last year's tournament.

"Last year's match was a thriller and this year should be another good match-up," said Riggs. "Lander is a solid team and this should be a game with a lot of excitement."