By Cayla Berns, Staff Writer
The Armstrong State University women’s soccer team ended a hard, demanding pre-season week full of intense practices, long hours, and hellish temperatures by defeating Division I school, Jacksonville University 1-0 in the team’s first and only scrimmage of the season at the Southern Oak Stadium in Jacksonville, FL.
Armstrong led the match in shots through the first half, shooting eight times to the Dolphins two. The second half began in the same way the first ended, with both teams still in a struggle to find their first goal.
Finally, in the 60th minute, Armstrong freshman Amanda Green pushed the ball down the field and placed a pass to fellow freshman Jenny Allen who sealed the deal with a strong kick past the keeper.
Green’s dribbling skills set up the play perfectly as she dribbled up the right, drawing the attention of two defenders and the keeper, then slipped a great pass to Allen who was able to finish the play with a strong ball square into the net.
“I said I wanted to make an impact on this team, “Said Allen, “So I’m really glad I was able to do that.”
The Dolphins made a push in the final minutes of the match, sending a flurry of 10 shots, but the Pirate defense stood firm and held on to the lead. All three Pirate keepers, junior Morgan Luckie, senior Maggie Carson, and sophomore Erica Laurens contributed time and recorded a clean sheet for the match.
Other Pirates taking shots on the day were sophomore midfielder Sarah Olin and freshman forward Ashley Green while 2013 All-American junior defender Taylor Russell led the Pirate defense.
We struggled a bit early, but I contribute that to a lot of new faces and some nerves. Once, we settled down we did some really good things,” said head coach Eric Faulconer, “This group has a good spirit about them so far and that is something we need to maintain as we move forward.”
Armstrong soccer next takes the field when they take on Catawba in their first regular season match Friday, September 5th, at 3:30 on the Armstrong Soccer Field.
