Success in Symmetry for Panthers

Women's Soccer Matthew Simmons/Sports Communications

Success in Symmetry for Panthers

ATLANTA ? The Georgia State women's soccer team downed Delaware, 2-0, to win their second-straight Colonial Athletic Association match with a shut out Sunday afternoon in Panthersville.

The Panthers' 2-0 victory over the Blue Hens of Delaware (8-6-2, 3-5) shared many similarities with the Friday's 2-0 victory over Drexel. In each game the first period was scoreless as each team struggled to find their identity offensively, the Panthers dominated the second halves on offense by out shooting their opponents by more than ten shots and sophomore forward Kay Harbrueger and senior midfielder Amber Collins-Cephers each scored a goal in both games.

Harbueger gave the Panthers (5-9-3, 2-5-1) the lead against Delaware seven minutes into the second half when she broke free of the Blue Hen defense off a Candace Gonzales pass. With the ball in the air after a shot dribble, Harbueger was able to gather possession and side step Delaware goalkeeper Bonnie Mills to place the ball in net.

“Kay is fast and to be able to weave around the keeper with the ball in the air while running full speed is incredible,” said Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli.

The goal was Harbrueger's fifth on the season, giving the sophomore a new career high. She recorded four goals her freshman year.

Only minutes later, the Panthers had an opportunity to add an insurance mark when Collins-Cephers lined up for a penalty kick, but Mills made an outstanding diving save to hold the Georgia State lead to one.

Delaware made a push to tie the game later in the second half and had a Blue Hen break free towards the panther goal. But Georgia State junior captain Christa Mann and fellow defender Rosie O'Toole closed on the streaking forward to limit her opportunity and second-half goalie Megan Macdonald made the save to prevent the tying goal.

Collins-Cephers would redeem herself for her earlier missed opportunity and close out the game with a rifle shot in front of the goal in the 85th minute to give the Panthers a 2-0 advantage. Senior forward Lauren Chavez assisted on the goal.

“This was a complete game today,” said Martelli. “We had a number of beautiful chances on goal and the team is really playing well right now.”

Georgia State out shot their opponent 17 to six in the contest and had three more corner kicks, with seven to four.

The Panthers were led offensively by Collins-Cephers who took seven shots in the contest. Harbrueger recorded four shots, as did Chavez.

Sophomore Charlotte Vargo started in goal for State and recorded three saves.

Georgia State returns to action next Friday, October 20th, when they host 18th ranked William & Mary, who has not lost a conference game this year.

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