Soccer on point in weekend sweep
Following the tie in their home opener, Bobcat soccer is back on track after two wins this past weekend.
The team notched its first win of the season, a 2-1 back-and-forth affair, Friday at Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn., then returned to Milledgeville to beat Limestone College 1-0 on Sunday.
In Tennessee, GCSU took an early lead when junior forward Lyric Burnett put a shot swiftly past the Pioneers’ goalie off an assist by junior midfielder Jamie Nevin.
The Pioneers recovered in the second half when Kelly Barron pounded one to the back of the net, but another tie was not in the cards for the Bobcats.
Senior midfielder Mary Byrne knocked a shot past the keeper from 15 yards out just minutes after the Pioneer goal. The Bobcat defense held strong for the remainder of the game, earning them the 2-1 win.
Head Coach Juan Favero was encouraged by the team’s resolve.
“I was very pleased with our overall effort and attitude against an upper nationally ranked team,” Favero said. “The girls came out strong and ready to play.”
On Sunday, despite the blistering afternoon heat, both teams charged the field looking for a victory. From the beginning, the Bobcats dominated possession in the attacking third, giving the Saints’ defense a constant challenge with 12 shots on goal.
Quick, short passes moved the Bobcats up the field like a well-oiled machine toward the Saints’ goal and in the thirty-fourth minute, a pass off a dead ball from junior midfielder Kara Teresi hit senior forward Hayley Ferrell, who slipped an arching shot past the keeper into the top left corner of the net.
Both teams responded well to the heat, with the Bobcats again showcasing their stamina.
GCSU had plenty of opportunities to capitalize in the form of corner kicks, but just could not get a foot on the ball.
A Saints breakaway midway through the second half stirred up frantic pressure in the Bobcat defense as the Limestone forwards attempted to weave the defense in a knot. As skilled as the forwards were, it was to no avail. The back line of the Bobcats held strong, shutting down the Saints’ attackers.
Favero praised his team’s desire, determination and attitude, but noted that finishing scoring chances has been a trouble spot this season.
“It is always a dangerous position to be in, a let-down after a big win like Friday,” he said. “I am very proud of the girls for coming out ready and focused after playing less than 48 hours ago – especially with the day being so hot.”
Junior defender Erika Kolodin thought the Bobcats had a solid couple of games and proved that they are a team for opponents to worry about.
“We played well the whole weekend and definitely showed the conference and region that we are a big threat,” Kolodin said. “I am proud of us and we will be ready for Thursday.”
GCSU now sits at 2-0-1 on the season, and has only allowed one goal in their three games. The Bobcats look to keep their winning streak alive with a home game this Thursday at 7 p.m. against the University of Montevallo Falcons.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 12 2008. Filed under Sports.
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