Clayton State opens 2012 season with 3-1 win
Charlotte, NC -- AUGUST 31, 2012 – The Clayton State women's soccer team scored three first half goals and never looked back in its season-opener, downing Pfeiffer 3-1 Friday in the Queens Women's Soccer Classic in Charlotte, NC.
Senior forward Natalie Valentine, the Lakers' leading scorer last year and an All-Peach Belt Conference performer, led the offensive attack with two goals in the opening half to pace the club.
"It's great to win our first game of the season and get a road win," said second year coach Gareth O'Sullivan. "We did some nice things today and we are beginning to reduce our mental errors."
Valentine struck quickly with a goal in 12th minute of the match off an assist from freshman Brooke Bortles to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead only to have the Falcons answer with a goal four minutes later. Clayton State came right back though, as sophomore defender Silvia Espelt headed in a goal off an assist from sophomore Saidhbh Collins to give the Lakers a 2-1 lead.
The Lakers added some insurance in the 29th minute as Valentine scored her second goal of the match on an unassisted play.
Clayton State finished with 13 shots on the match compared to eight for Pfeiffer. Laker keepers Laoise O' Driscoll and Charlotte McCormack combined for three saves in the match.
The squad will take off Saturday before returning to action on Sunday in the tournament, facing host Queens at 11 a.m. The Lakers will open their home schedule on Tuesday squaring off against Tennessee Wesleyan in a 4 p.m. match.
