The Georgia Gwinnett women’s soccer team battled through wet and muddy field conditions on Monday night to capture its first win of the 2016 season, defeating the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) 2-1.

“While we faced tough field conditions throughout the match, the women gutted it out, faced the adversity, and stayed focused with a defensive mentality,” stated GGC head coach Chris Kouns.  “Cumberlands came out fast and hard, pressing our defensive focus.  Tonight, we shifted Bristol [Countess] to the backline, and she immediately had an impact.  While we are still showing our signs of youth on the backline, the move calmed the squad’s nerves, gave them a sense of confidence, and empowered the Grizzlies to hard strong in tough moments.”

Georgia Gwinnett (1-1) struck first in the 12th minute when junior transfer Ana Gonzalez netted her first goal as a Grizzly to give GGC the 1-0 lead.

The Grizzlies held the Patriots scoreless in the first half of play as they headed into intermission with the 1-0 advantage.

The Cumberlands (0-2) responded with an equalizer in the first two minutes of the second half.  GGC committed a foul five yards outside the box, setting up a free kick for UC’s midfielder Dakota Gadd.  With four Grizzlies lined up in front of Gadd for the free kick, the Patriot ripped a shot over the wall and past the outstretched hands of keeper Sophie Hoare to knot the match at 1-1.

Gonzalez struck again in the 73rd minute, netting the eventual game-winning goal.  A corner kick by senior Tiffany Rodriguez bounced through the box to Ellinor Bertilsson.  In one swift motion, Bertilsson flicked a pass to Gonzalez enabling the Miranda de Ebro, Spain, native to score the go-ahead goal.

Freshman Sophie Hoare (1-1) collected her first collegiate win in goal as a Grizzly, tallying four saves in the contest.

Kouns continued, “Ana stepped up big for us tonight, scoring both goals.  As a team, we played an all-around game, and the results showed.  We will recover quickly, have a light day tomorrow, and be ready for Life University in two days.”

The Grizzlies are back in action on Wednesday when they return to the Grizzly Soccer Complex to host Life (Ga.) in the two squads’ first-ever meeting.  The match, which was previously slated to take place in Marietta, has shifted to GGC while the Eagles’ construction on their new soccer complex is completed.  First touch is set for 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for Wednesday's match are $5 each day for adults, $3 for youth, seniors, and military, and free for children under five.  All members of the GGC community receive free admission with their Claw Card.  Season ticket packages are also on sale for all regular season contests.  For more information on ticketing, click here. Free game day parking is available in the deck at the entrance to the GGC campus.

Scoring Summary
11:48 – (GGC) Ana Gonzalez (unassisted)
46:47 – (UC) Dakota Gadd (unassisted)
73:10 – (GGC) Ana Gonzalez, assisted by Tiffany Rodriguez and Ellinor Bertilsson

By the Numbers
2 – Days until the Grizzlies face Life University
4 – Corner kicks taken by Georgia Gwinnett
8 – Shots on goal by the Grizzlies
10 – Total shots taken by GGC
22 – Combined shots by GGC and the Cumberlands

For all the latest on Grizzly Athletics, including news, scores, and features, visit GrizzlyAthletics.com.  Check out all the latest Grizzly Women's Soccer content and join the conversation by using @GGC_WSoccer on Twitter.

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