Box Score

KENNESAW, Ga. – The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer team stays perfect in the A-Sun as they defeated Kennesaw State, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at the KSU Soccer Complex. Sunday’s shutout marks the sixth of the season.

With the win, the Eagles improve their record to 7-3-1 (2-0-0 A-Sun) as the Owls fall to 4-4-0 (2-1-0 A-Sun). The Eagles have now won seven of their last eight games, and have outscored their opponents 13-3.

"I'm proud of our kids," said head coach Jim Blankenship. "They fought hard and found a way to win.”

"We expected to have a heck of a battle on our hands," Blankenship said. "Kennesaw State is one of the top teams in the A-Sun, and to keep them scoreless is really impressive. Once again our defense came up with some big stops, and Stephanie came up with three saves to help secure the shutout.”

The Eagles offense came out shooting; taking the first shot of the match on a header from Jessica Swartzentruber (Sarasota, Fla.) that was easily snatched by Kennesaw State goalkeeper, Staci Pugh. The Owls’ Kristin Marietta kept the shot count even when she answered right back with an 18-yard shot that sailed wide.

The FGCU offense stepped up and controlled the tempo of the match, taking three of the next four shots, including two from Danielle Faller (Elizabethtown, Penn.), both from 20-yards out. However, the KSU defense, led by senior Bridget Gaughan was able to keep the match scoreless.

In the 34th minute, Amber McCall (Fort Myers, Fla.) netted the game winner, her second consecutive game winner. The senior midfielder took a pass from Jennifer Crittenberger (Lighthouse Point, Fla.), who received a great ball from Ashley Ciesielczyk (Oregon, Ohio), McCall took the shot from 10-yards out and buried it for her fourth goal of the season.

In the second half, Kennesaw State took the majority of the shots and had numerous scoring opportunities, but Powers came up with two second half saves to keep the Owls scoreless.

Though the Eagles were out shot by a 12-8 margin, FGCU got another strong outing from Powers in goal as she stopped three shots to improve her record to 6-3-1, and earn her fifth shutout on the season.

The shutout was also supported by a tremendous effort by the Eagles back line that was led by Katherine Correllus (Merritt Island, Fla.). Correllus help kept the shutout in tact, making some crucial stops late in the match.

League play continues on Saturday afternoon when the Eagles host Campbell at 1:00 p.m. at the FGCU Soccer Complex.