The Georgia State women's soccer team won its opener 5-1 over Tennessee Tech Saturday at Panthersville. Seniors Kay Harbrueger and Candace Gonzales accounted for two goals each. Freshman Erinique Owens scored her first career goal.
“It's great to finally play someone else,” said Coach Domenic Martelli. “I'm really excited to see that all of the girls work translate into a win.”
Offensive fireworks entertained the large crowd gathered to kick off the season. Georgia State wasted no time, striking early with a goal from Kay Harbrueger four minutes into the game (40:57). Harbrueger shot behind the defense and connected beautifully to the top right corner on a pass from fellow senior Kara Vezza.
“Being our last year together, [the seniors] were so excited. I woke up with butterflies in my stomach,” said Harbrueger. “It feels so good to be back out there. We all know that we have three months left, and it's really important to stay focused and make the most of it.”
Candace Gonzales pushed the lead to 2-0 with a header at 32:15. Senior Kristen McKillop found Gonzales on a deep ball. Kay Harbrueger added to the total with a breakout assisted by Heidi Blankenship at 27:53. Harbrueger's second goal of the game gave her four points on the day, tying her with Anna-Kaisa Moilanen for tenth on the all-time points list at 51.
“We found our forwards in good scoring opportunities all game,” said Coach Martelli,” and it netted us five beautiful goals.”
Georgia State took the 3-0 lead into the half by dominating on the defensive end. Freshman Lani Huntley made her first career start at defender, along with senior Virginia Wood and Kari Quinn. The defense bottled up the Tennessee Tech attack, not allowing a shot on goal in the first half.
“The defense was crucial for our performance today,” said Coach Martelli. “We attacked from the back a lot. Playing team defense like that, with high pressure, makes our transitions happen much quicker.”
Candace Gonzales opened the second half with her second goal of the game at 31:24 off of a rebounded Kay Harbrueger shot. Gonzales nearly completed her hat trick, but had a third attempt sail just high of the crossbar.
“It was great to get everybody in, and give plenty of people opportunities to contribute,” said Gonzales. “Everyone was in great shape today, that allowed us to play as well as we did. It's pretty clear that all of the preseason work we've done paid off.”
At 7:27 Erinique Owens put her stamp on the victory with her first career goal as a Panther. Owens's shot was ripped from straight away and glanced off the outstretched hand of the Tennessee Tech goalie.
“I was trying to be patient. I saw the ball come out, and had the chance to take an open shot. It was amazing to see it go in,” said Owens of her first collegiate goal.
Looking ahead, Coach Martelli wants to keep things close to the vest saying, “We're zero and zero next week. I really want the team to understand that our next game is always the biggest game of the season. If we believe that, we'll give 110 percent.”
Georgia State's record improves to 1-0-0 on the season. On August 29, the Panthers play host to Jacksonville State at 4 p.m. in Panthersville.
