FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-15-07
College Soccer: No. 16 AASU 5, Clayton State 0
SAVANNAH, Ga. (September 15) – The No. 16 Armstrong Atlantic State women’s soccer squad defended its new national ranking with a 5-0 Peach Belt Conference women’s soccer victory over visiting Clayton State on Saturday afternoon in Savannah.
In the Peach Belt opener for both teams, the Pirates (4-1, 1-0 PBC) struck first with reigning PBC Offensive Player of the Week Kristin Burton heading home a cross from Ashley Elam in the seventh minute for a quick 1-0 lead.
The action remained tight until the 29th minute, when Clayton State forward Olaitan Yusuf was issued a red card for retaliation deep in Armstrong Atlantic’s half. Without Yusuf, who came into the match having scored all six of the Lakers’ goals this season, the Pirates entered halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw the Pirates wear down the shorthanded Laker squad. Lyndsi Stricklen tallied her first goal of the season in the 55th minute after a misplay by the Clayton State back line left the ball on her foot at the top of the box. Freshman Kyndal Shaaf scored her first collegiate goal in the 73rd minute, also after a misplay by the Laker defense. Burton tallied her second goal of the game off of a cross from Holly Grulich in the 80th minute, then freshman Lianne Stricklen notched her first collegiate goal in the 89th minute from a pass by Elizabeth Kerkhoff from the top of the box.
AASU outshot the Lakers, 25-8, in the contest while Clayton State goalkeeper Whitney Jowers made five saves in the net. Pirate goalkeepers Tarra Kohler and Tracey Mitchell combined on the shutout, with Mitchell making the only save of the match.
The Pirates return to action on Wednesday, September 19, as AASU visits UNC Pembroke for a 5:00 p.m. match. Clayton State will host PBC preseason favorite Columbus State on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
- Pirates -