Golden Tigers Soccer Wins Fifth Straight Match
Riding a four-game winning streak and on the eve of a huge conference matchup, the # 17 Brenau Golden Tigers soccer team defeated conference newcomer Bethel University 5-2.
Early on, however, the Golden Tigers found themselves trailing the home team as Bethel took an early 1-0 lead on a Melissa Madden goal. The Brenau offense struck back quickly with four straight goals to take a commanding lead.
In the 34th minute, Jenny Knibbs (Doncaster, England) found junior Elizabeth Campbell (Richmond Hill, GA) for her first goal of the season to even the score.
The Brenau offense then found its rhythm as forward Esther Anyanwu (Lagos, Nigeria) struck twice, first off a Knibbs assist and a second from Kayla Madsen (Flowery Branch, GA) to increase the Golden Tiger lead. Madsen tallied her second assist of the match as she found senior Kirsty Smith (Doncaster, England) in the 56th minute to give the Golden Tigers a 4-1 lead. After a second Wildcat goal, Anyanwu notched her third goal of the match, assisted by Taylor Salmon (Bradenton, FL) and Linda Chukwuji (Lagos, Nigeria) to secure the 5-2 victory.
With her three goals, Anyanwu becomes Brenau's all-time leading goal scorer in just two seasons, eclipsing previous record holder Lilly Futrell's (2005-2009) record of 46.
Brenau dominated the offensive stats, outshooting Bethel 21-9 for the match. Keeper Tori Brown (Windermere, FL) saved three goals on the afternoon.
"It was great to get another conference win on the road. We scored some nice goals with Elizabeth's opening goal and Kirsty's well placed volley", said head coach Mike Lochstampfor. "What a huge accomplishment for Esther to get a hat-trick and set the scoring record- especially considering she achieved this milestone in just two seasons! Tomorrow will be a huge match up with MMC so we are looking forward to that opportunity!"
The Golden Tigers (11-3-1 overall) square off on Saturday versus #12 Martin Methodist College in the NAIA Women's Soccer Match of the Week. The # 12-ranked Redhawks, led by midfielders Lauren Baldalamente and Taylor Samsel, are newcomers to the SSAC and have won two straight matches.
While both teams enter the match 7-1 in conference play, the winner will occupy sole possession of second place in the SSAC.
The match is set for 5:00 eastern time in Pulaski, TN.