Three's a charm for Lakers; Clayton State defeats Tennessee Wesleyan 2-1
Morrow, GA – Three was a charm for the Clayton State women's soccer team on Tuesday.
The Lakers played their third match of the season and captured their third victory of the year, defeating Tennessee Wesleyan 2-1 at Laker Field. Clayton State will go for its fourth straight on Sunday, September 9th against Florida Tech in a neutral match in Savannah, GA.
"We are pleased to get a win," said head coach Gareth O'Sullivan. "Credit to Tennessee Wesleyan for making life difficult for us. We created so many chances tonight but couldn't finish a sentence."
Unlike Clayton State's first two matches on the season, this time the Lakers had to battle back from a deficit. Tennessee Wesleyan struck first in the match in the 19th minute as junior forward Abby Fannin took a pass from freshman forward Samaira Khan and slid a shot past the outstretched arms of freshman Laker keeper Charlotte McCormack to take a 1-0 lead.
After both team's battled for 20 scoreless minutes, Clayton State answered though with two quick goals to take the lead. Sophomore forward Saidhbh Collins knotted the score at one apiece as she scored an unassisted goal in the 40th minute. Collins beat Tennessee Wesleyan goalie Britten Fandrich to score her second goal of the season.
The Lakers wasted no time in getting their second goal as freshman forward Karlie McCallum scored less than a minute later to give the Lakers a 2-1 lead off an assist from senior forward Natalie Valentine. McCallum's goal was her first of her college career.
Playing a person down in the second half, Tennessee Wesleyan attempted only two shots in the final 45 minutes, as Clayton State controlled much of the play. The Lakers finished with 16 total shots compared to only six for the Bulldogs. Clayton State keeper McCormack finished with three saves on the game.
