Birmingham-Southern Erases Two Goal Deficit for Come-from-Behind, 4-3, Victory

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham-Southern’s Jamie Holmes scored a career-high four goals, including the game-winner in the 84th minute, to lead the Panthers to a thrilling 4-3, comeback victory over Big South Conference foe Radford Saturday at the BSC Soccer Park. (Box Score)
 
BSC, 4-10-1, fought back from a 3-1 deficit, to tie the game in the 70th minute when Michael Connelly’s short corner kick found Eric Hudgens, who deflected the ball to a wide open Holmes in front of the net.
 
The Panthers completed the come-from-behind win as Kenneth Robinson sent a through ball to Holmes, who then chipped the ball over Radford keeper Andrew Essey from 12 yards out.
 
Radford, 4-9-1, took an early 2-0 lead on consecutive goals by Mike Von Essen in the 17th and 25th minutes. Holmes put BSC on the board in the 32nd minute off a pass in front of the goal from Ryan Huntley.
 
But just 13 seconds into the second half, the Highlanders extended their lead to 3-1 when BSC keeper Luke Eldridge’s pass to the wing was intercepted by T.J. Rolfing, who found Johnathan Hooker all alone for an easy score.
 
Holmes, who has a team-leading nine goals this season, made the score 3-2 in the 61st minute after heading in a cross from teammate Thimo Langner.
 
The Panthers withstood a serious rally by Radford in the closing minute of the match as Eldridge denied point-blank shots from Rolfing and Hooker. Eldridge, making his first start in nine games, finished the day with six saves. Essey made eight stops for RU.
 
BSC held a 22-14 advantage in shots, including a 12-9 margin in shots on goal.