Women's Soccer Drops Season Opener at Samford
8/31/2007 4:01:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ? The Georgia Southern women’s soccer team fell 1-0 to Samford, Friday night, at the Samford Barber’s Invitational in Birmingham, Ala.
Samford’s Lauren Cook one-touched a winner from 15 yards off a centered pass by teammate Leah Leppert in the 16th minute to score the only goal of the match.
The Eagles struggled in the first half to produce offensively, firing only one shot compared to Samford’s six. But in the second half, Georgia Southern reorganized their play and created more scoring opportunities, which led to six shots.
“We had a little bit of first-games nerves,” said fourth year head coach Ashley Hart. “Samford was a little more organized in the first half. But, I was pleased with how we reorganized in the second half. We had a couple of good chances but just couldn’t finish.”
Junior forward Ashley Toussaint (Warner Robins, Ga.) led the team with two out of her four shots on goal. Junior defender Michelle Carlson (Melbourne, Fla.), freshman midfielder Michelle Berard (Kennesaw, Ga.) and sophomore defender Heather Smith (Kingwood, Texas) each registered a shot, apiece.
“When we settled in a little bit, and got our composure, overall it was a good team effort,” added Hart. “We did create a couple chances up top.”
The Bulldogs led the Eagles in the shots category with 15, compared to GSU’s seven. Though sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Santos (Berwyn, Ill.) was credited with the loss, she made nine saves on the day. Samford’s Cayley Winters earned the win making four saves, all in the second frame.
Both teams committed 18 fouls, apiece.
“We need to step out on the field with confidence and composure,” explained Hart, alluding to preparations for Sunday’s match versus Mississippi State. “We need to make sure we’re organized and composed, with and without the ball.”
The Eagles have Saturday to prepare for the Mississippi State game, slated for Sunday at 11:30 a.m. CDT.
