MORROW, Ga. – In what proved to be a very challenging game for some unusual reasons, No. 20 Clayton State (12-1, 7-0 PBC) used a last minute goal by senior forward Melissa Hetherington (Burnley, England) to deliver the program's 11th consecutive victory as they upended Lander (4-2-3, 2-2-2 PBC) by a 1-0 score in an NCAA Division II women's soccer game on Saturday, October 11.
After seeing their starting goalkeeper Charlotte McCormack (Wexford, Ireland) lost to a red card in the 55th minute, the Lakers defense and depth shone through over the final 35 minutes. Together they withstood five shots by Lander as freshman goalkeeper Tina Firing (Trondheim, Norway) gave her offense a chance to win the game.
That is exactly what they would do as Hetherington laced a ball from 25 yards out, straight away, that found its way to the back right corner of the net with 31 seconds remaining in the game. From there, Clayton State would hold on for the improbable last minute victory as they did not allow a shot the rest of the way.
"We played poorly in the first half and looked tired," said head coach Gareth O'Sullivan. "Then to lose our keeper with 35-plus minutes left was harsh, but Tina [Firing] came in and did a great job. I knew we would still create some good chances and Mel's goal was a beauty!"
Hetherington was the sole source of offense for the Lakers, delivering the crushing blow from long distance while Firing collected her first win of the season following her scoreless relief appearance. On the opposite side of the ledger Kimberley Kesler produced four shots for Lander, one on goal, and Katie Lyle played all 90 minutes in goal, allowing the game-winning goal while making six saves.
The Lakers resume play on Wednesday, October 15 when they travel to North Georgia. Game time is set for 5 p.m. in Dahlonega, Ga.
NOTES
Not only does the 1-0 decision give the Lakers their 11th straight win, it is also now seven consecutive shutouts … that brings the season total to an impressive nine blankings.
