Late Goal Sends Wingate to NCAA Men's Soccer Championship Regional Final

GREENWOOD, S.C. - Wingate University junior midfielder Pedro Figuiera scored with 42 seconds remaining in regulation to give the fourth-seeded Wingate University Bulldogs a 2-1 victory at top-seeded Lander University in round two of the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championship Sunday afternoon.

Wingate advances to the sweet 16 for the first time in school history to take on Flagler College. The Bulldogs improve to 12-5-1 overall, while Lander ends its season at 12-3-2 overall.

"I am absolutely ecstatic for the team," head coach Gary Hamill says. "They were brilliant on Friday and were just as good today. The attitude has been phenomenal; the level of play has been great. I am very happy and excited, the guys worked really hard for it.

Bulldog junior forward Fabio Azeredo got Wingate on the board in the 24th minute. A free kick from outside the box from freshman midfielder Liam Gillesphey (Newcastle, England) was re-directed to Azeredo by freshman defenderVictor Tozelli, who found the back of the net for the third time this season.

The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead to intermission, thanks to a diving save from sophomore goalkeeper Daniel DeGraff with just over five minutes left in the half. Lander held a 9-6 advantage in shots in the opening half, with each team taking two shots on goal.

The Bearcats tied the game in the 68th minute when junior forward Clement Dauchy scored his ninth goal of the season, getting the assist from junior midfielder Chris Hobbs.

With just under 10 minute remaining in regulation, a Lander red card gave the Bulldogs a man-up advantage for the remainder of the contest. The physical match featured 31 fouls, five yellow cards and a red card.

With less than 50 seconds to go, freshman midfielder James Card sent a cross into the box, which was headed home by Figuiera from 12 yards out into the upper corner for his second goal of the year. Both of his goals have been game winners this season. He also netted the game-winning goal in Wingate's 3-2 win over Lincoln Memorial.

The Bulldogs outshot Lander 13-12 on the afternoon, holding a 4-3 edge in shots on goal. DeGraff registered a pair of saves to preserve the Wingate victory. Sophomore goalkeeper Cody Brooks registered two saves for the Bearcats.

Wingate will take on Flagler in the NCAA sweet 16. The Bulldogs faced the Saints in the opening round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament, winning 4-0 in a game that was played in Charlotte. The game will take place at Flagler either Thursday or Friday. The date and time will be announced on Monday. The winner of that contest will advance to the Elite Eight to face the winner of the Rollins-Lynn match.

- Wingate media relations