Solid Second Half lifts Women's Soccer over Wofford
10/25/2007 4:05:00 AM | Women's Soccer
STATESBORO, Ga. ? TheGeorgia Southern women’s soccer team outshot Wofford 12-5 in the second half which translated into two goals, lifting the Eagles over the Terriers for a 2-1 Southern Conference victory, Thursday afternoon (Oct. 25) at Eagle Field.
Junior forward Ashley Toussaint (Warner Robins,Ga.) scored the game-winning goal in the 87th minute to break the 1-1 stalemate and give the Eagles the final advantage. Toussaint netted her fifth goal of the season after rebounding her own shot that was stopped by Wofford keeper Katie McChesney.
With the win,GeorgiaSouthern improves to 3-11-2 overall and 2-5-2 in conference action. Wofford falls to 6-9-2 overall with a 2-5-1 league record.
The first half was uneventful with the teams going into the locker rooms scoreless. Wofford led the shots category at the end of the first half, 5-2 whileGeorgiaSouthern edged the Terriers in corner kicks, 2-1.
In the second half it was junior midfielder Audrey Brown (Fort Worth,Texas) who broke the scoring drought. Brown rebounded Toussaint’s saved shot eight yards out and quickly connected for a 1-0 Eagles lead and her third goal of the season.
“We just talked about taking responsibility in the attacking third,” said head coach Ashley Hart. “The more shots we took, the more we gained confidence in front of the net, which finally paid off in the end.”
But Wofford continued to attack and countered with the equalizer in the 82nd minute. Terrier Nikki Siebert dribbled in the left side of the box and slipped a low, angled shot past the keeper into the right side of the net.
GeorgiaSouthern maintained its composure and applied pressure up front which produced several scoring opportunities and the eventual go-ahead goal.
The Eagles defense played an important part of the win, holding the Terriers to five shots in both halves and only four shots on goal.
“I thought our defenders did a very good job tonight, keeping the majority of the play in front of them, and also keeping us organized as a unit," said Hart.
Senior keeper Laura-Ashley Harris (Jonesboro,Ga.) made three saves in a full day in goal and garners the victory in the net. Wofford’s keeper McChesney made eight saves in 90 minutes of play.
The SoCon match was the final home game of the regular season, and in addition to the celebration of the victory, GeorgiaSouthern women’s soccer, family and fans recognized the five seniors on the team: Harris, Colleen Deignan (Coral Springs, Fla.), Jenni Boykin (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), Katie Gosnell (Chrleston, S.C.) and Shea Hickey (Atlantic Beach ,Fla.).
“I’m proud of our five seniors and I think it’s a good way to send them off for their final home game,” said Hart.
The Eagles won the shots category 14-10, while Wofford edged GSU 3-2 in corner kicks.
GeorgiaSouthern will play its final match of the regular season at it travels toDavidson,N.C.to take on the Wildcats, Thursday, Nov. 1. The game is slated for 7 p.m.
