CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.- A record crowd of 1,024 Tiger soccer fans witnessed a thrilling last minute win against Mid-South Conference opponent Georgetown College on Thursday night, Sept. 27. Campbellsville University redshirt freshman Andrew Nugent scored the game winner with only a little more than a minute left on the clock, for his first career goal.

CU kept the pressure high on the orange and black Tigers in the first half, with a total of 19 shots, six on goal. Campbellsville also had nine corner kicks in the first 45 minutes, but no CU shots found the back of the net. Georgetown goalkeeper, Stefan Iverson collected all six shots in the first half and ended the game with 12 saves.

"We controlled the game throughout," said Adam Preston, CU head coach. "We went to the lockeroom at halftime and said, 'We are owning this game. You have to be patient and it will come.'"

Both teams came out of halftime scoreless. It wasn't until 17 minutes into the second period that sophomore forward Gustav Carlsson headed one in, the assist from junior defender Drew Sin.

Georgetown could only accomplish one shot in the second half, but it was effective. Senior midfielder Tyler Whitehouse powered one past CU keeper Max Malachiyev, tying the score at 1-1 with only three minutes left on the clock. Malachiyev had two saves in the game.

The demeanor of the record-breaking Campbellsville soccer crowd quickly fell as time ticked away. As overtime began to look likely, senior midfielder Pontus Yngve missed a shot, drawing Iverson out of the net. Nugent settled a loose ball and fired it into goal for the game-winner, ripping his shirt off in celebration.

"I hit it perfectly to be fair," said Nugent. "It went in the top corner, and the feeling was just unbelievable. Georgetown is a massive rivalry, and the feeling of scoring a goal against them as a winner is indescribable, especially with a crowd like that."

The Tiger soccer program titled the night "Pack the House," in hopes of bringing in more than 1,000 fans. The 1,024 in attendance is the most-ever for a CU home soccer game and the second most for a men's soccer regular season home game at a Mid-South Conference school. Local businesses gave away prizes to fans chosen at random. The big-ticket item was a Motorola Xoom tablet given away after the game by Bluegrass Cellular.

"It means so much to see the local businesses give to this cause and for all the people to come out to enjoy the night," said Preston. "It was special."

The last-minute win was similar to the Lady Tiger soccer defeat over Georgetown Wednesday night, Sept. 26. For the first time in program history, the women's soccer team defeated Georgetown College, 1-0. CU scored its golden goal with 12.1 seconds remaining in double overtime. 

"I am so excited for the women," said Preston. "Great job to Coach [Thom] Jones and congratulations to them and congratulations for us. These are games our team has to win if we want to get to the next tier. It's a young group, but we have to win these games, and I think we went out there and did that tonight."

The win is the fifth straight home victory for the Tigers over Georgetown.

Campbellsville (7-3-1, 2-1 MSC) will return home against MSC opponent St. Catharine College on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. as part of a doubleheader. The women will host St. Catharine at 6 p.m.

To follow the team, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.

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EVENT SPONSORS: Asian Garden Buffet, Bluegrass Cellular, Colton's Steakhouse, Coppock's Appliance, Creekside Restaurant, Disco's Chop Shop, Druther's, Family Video, Fiesta Mexico, Garcia's Mexican, Green River Cinema 6, Green Room, H&W Sports Shop, Lowe's, Magic Wok, Pancho's Mexican, Phillips Lanes and Snappy Tomato Pizza.