ANDERSON, S.C. - Using a three-goal scoring outburst in the second half, the Anderson women's soccer team posted a successful debut at Trojan Stadium on Friday afternoon by shutting out Converse, 3-0.
The season-opener for both teams saw the Trojans control the tempo from the outset as AU notched eight shots in the opening 18 minutes of action, while the stellar defense limited the Valkyries to just three attempts on goal in the first half.
Anderson (1-0) posted 15 shots in the opening frame, including three apiece from veterans Kristin Page and Carrie Settle. The Trojans' nearly got on the scoreboard at the 15:46 mark when sophomore Joelle Purinton laced a shot that Converse keeper Ashley Mercuri just managed to deflect above the crossbar.
Sophomore Alexandra Induni notched the game-winning goal with just more than six minutes gone in the second half when the Sugar Hill, Ga., native corralled her own blocked shot and put the rebound in the back of the net for her first goal as a Trojan.
Settle gave the Trojans some breathing room at the 61:12 mark, recording her first goal of the 2010 campaign from short range, as Induni found the sophomore open on the right side, and freshman Krystal Goss wrapped up the scoring in the 75th minute.
AU outshot Converse 27-6, with freshman Kaitliyn Neipp recording the win between the pipes for the Trojans, as Anderson ran its home win streak to six matches dating back to Oct. 17, 2009.
"It's always nice to get a shutout," said Anderson head coach Jason Dowiak. "We connected overall as a team, hit our stride and put it together. We're starting to gain confidence and I was pleased with our play at every position."
Anderson will get back on the pitch Sunday afternoon, as AU
plays host to Coker College in the middle contest of its
season-opening three-game homestand. Kick-off is scheduled for 1
p.m. at Trojan Stadium.
