Tigers Grapple Grizzlies for Third Win
The Golden Tigers soccer team put away a tenacious Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies side on two goals late in the second half from the foot of the NAIA's scoring leader, Esther Anyanwu (Lagos, Nigeria) last night.
Both sides recorded 22 shots on the evening, but the Tigers proved to be more accurate with their chances and the final score of 4-1 demonstrated how effectively Brenau's offense performed.Anyanwu scored two goals to lead Brenau in the first half. The visitors scored a goal of their own late in the half from a Valerie de Santiago serve that landed at the foot of Mary Vernetti. Both teams battled through much of the second half until the combination of Jenny Knibbs (Doncaster, England) and Anyanwu struck again off of a great play from Knibbs that allowed Anyanwu to calmly chip the ball over the head of GGC's goalkeeper for the third goal. That would be Knibbs third assist on the night and it is Knibbs who currently leads the Tigers in assists on the season.
Though sometimes overlooked, Brenau's defense was a huge part of their success; highlighted by the return of central defender, Hannah Norwood (Grayson, Ga.) to lead the back line for much of the game. Individually, the play of Janay Hunt (Madison AL), Anna Garrett (Marietta, GA), Taylor Bates (Locus Grove, Ga.) goalkeeper Tori Brown (Windermere, FL), and Norwood herself thwarted the many attacks of the visiting team as they worked tirelessly to find the seams in Brenau's defense. And Norwood wasn't limited to defending alone as she provided the 40 yard serve to the awaiting Anyanwu in the final minutes of the game that Anyanwu put away for her 4th and final goal. In goal for Brenau, Brown recorded 9 saves on the night.
In the middle of the park, the trio of midfielders with Kirsty Smith (Doncaster, England), Kayla Madsen ( Gainesville, Ga.) and Monica Sanchez (Miami, FL) worked hard all night to connect the team on both sides of the ball. Smith served in some great balls and was dangerous on the attack as she narrowly missed on some opportunities of her own.
Brenau's record currently stands at 3-0 on the season. Next up for the Tigers is a match with NAIA and Appalachian Athletic Conference rival, Reinhardt University on Thursday night. Match time is scheduled for 7pm at Allen Creek Soccer Complex.