VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State soccer team posted a gutsy effort on Sunday in Cleveland, Tenn., but a second half surge by Lee led the Lady Flames to a 4-1 triumph over the Blazers.
"Today's result was not a direct reflection of our effort and performance," stated Head Coach Rebecca Nolin following the match. "We responded excellently from Friday and played well. I thought the game was a very fair result at half time at 1-1. Unfortunately at the beginning of the second half, we gave away a questionable penalty kick that deflated us a little. When we tried to respond and attack, Lee took their opportunities well and scored at the right times."
The Blazers showed noticeable improvements from Friday night's loss to Shorter, and pressured the Lady Flames throughout the first half. Facing a 1-0 deficit late in the period, Madison Cutts delivered a cross at the 31:55 mark to set up Suvi Savolainen for a successful one-timer from inside the box. The goal represented Savolainen's first career goal and knotted the contest up at 1-1 before halftime.
The Flames used a second half penalty kick to regain momentum and start a string of three second half goals, two of which came from Laura Thacker. Kinsey Chichowitz also sandwiched a goal of her own between Thacker's two scores at the 69:50 mark.
Blazer keeper McCall Gardner was tested throughout the match, facing 31 shots on the afternoon. The reigning GSC Defender of the Week turned away ten of those attempts, but her efforts were not enough to keep the Flames from claiming the win.
"There is a lot of good to take from this game as we prepare for UNA on Friday," added Nolin. "All we ask from our supporters at VSU is that we have a great turn out on Friday night in what is sure to be a good game."
Valdosta State fell to 2-6-0 overall and 1-3-0 in conference play after the loss, while the Flames improved to 3-3-2 overall and 2-1-0 in league action.
VSU returns to Valdosta on Friday night to host the rival Lions of North Alabama at 6:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.
