Box Score
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Freshman Joelle Purinton notched the
game-winning score in the 80th minute of action as the Anderson
women's soccer team notched its second straight victory with a
hard-fought 2-1 win past homestanding Converse Saturday night at
Hayden Abeny Fulp Field. The Trojans controlled tempo in the
opening half, getting quality attacks down the left flank from
Ashley Cotton, Jessica Kleinberg and Carrie Settle. AU's defensive
back three prevented anything from getting back to Trojan
goalkeeper Kelli Whitfield, who recorded two saves in the contest.
AU was unable to capitalize on two scoring opportunities in the
first half - both on through balls - one from Larissa Fedorowich to
Kleinberg, and another from Adrienne Lough to Ashley Cotton, but
both were thwarted Converse keeper Ashley Mercuri. Neither team
found the back of the net in the first half, but increased pressure
from the Trojans in the second frame resulted in more quality
chances. Cotton hit the crossbar off a 20-yard bullet which bounced
down into the run of Settle, whose first-time strike rattled off
the right post and came right back at her. Her second attempt, a
powerful header, just missed high. The Trojans got on the
scoreboard off a perfectly played through ball from Catherine
Thomas behind the Converse defenders to Kleinberg, who dribbled the
keeper and placed a left-footed finish in the back of the net at
the 62:52 mark. The goal by Kleinberg was the fourth in two matches
for the forward. Nearly 17 minutes later, Purinton collected her
first career game-winner as a Trojan off a penalty kick as the
result of a hard tackle, while Converse's Jana Getry answered
quickly for the Valkyries. But the AU defense held firm for the
win. "I am happy with the win and feel we are finally starting to
put together more complete efforts," said Anderson head coach Jason
Dowiak. "We have set ourselves up to make a strong run through the
rest of conference play and are showing good confidence on both
sides of the ball." Anderson held a 17-4 advantage in shots and
keeper Kelli Whitfield recorded two saves on the night, while the
Trojans forced Converse goalie Ashley Mercuri to tally seven total
saves. A total of seven cards, five yellow and two red, were issued
in the physical second half of action, as Anderson improved to 3-6
overall and evened its Conference Carolinas' record at 3-3, while
Converse fell to 3-9, 1-4 Converse Carolinas) Anderson will get
back on the pitch Monday, in its second of four matches in an
eight-day span, when the Trojans visit North Georgia College in a
make-up of a match that was rained out in mid-September. Kick-off
is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the NGCSU Soccer Complex.