FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-20-06

College Soccer: No. 24 Columbus State 2, AASU 1

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Gina Goforth’s goal in the 84th minute propelled No. 24-ranked Columbus State to a 2-1 Peach Belt Conference women’s soccer victory over host Armstrong Atlantic State on Wednesday afternoon at Cingular Field.

With the score tied a 1-all, Goforth received the ball in the left corner. She made a move down the line, then beat AASU goalkeeper Samantha Held with a near-post shot for her sixth goal of the season and the game-winner.

Columbus State (8-1, 4-0 PBC) took an 1-0 advantage in the contest when Sarah Hawkins scored her second goal of the season. The lead would stand at halftime as AASU outshot the Cougars in the first half, 6-5, but CSU had four shots on goal compared to AASU’s one.

AASU (6-2, 2-1 PBC) nearly equalized in the opening moments of the second half as Shana Neves’ shot bounced off the left post, then caromed back to Neves. The rebound try sailed wide, though, keeping Columbus in front.

The Pirates finally equalized in the 75th minute as Donna Cheyne’s ball into the box settled in front of sophomore Lyndsi Stricklen, who beat CSU’s Monica Sanchez to the far post for her third goal of the season. The goal itself was news as it snapped a 429:19 consecutive minute scoreless streak for Sanchez, the nation’s leader in goals against average heading into the contest.

Columbus State used a late flurry of shots to outshoot the Pirates on the afternoon, 16-14. AASU goalkeeper Samantha Held made eight saves on the day, while Sanchez made two.

The Pirates next host Clayton State on Sunday, September 24, for another key Peach Belt battle at 2:00 p.m. Columbus State next travels to USC Aiken for a 5:00 p.m. matchup on Friday, September 22.

- Pirates -