Columbus – Kristina Pascutti scored the lone goal of the match in the 65^th minute of play to lead Armstrong Atlantic State University to a 1-0 victory over No. 23 Columbus State in a pivotal Peach Belt Conference matchup Friday night at the Walden Soccer Complex.

The loss drops CSU to 6-2-2 on the year and 1-2-1 in the conference while AASU stays perfect in the PBC improving to 4-0 and 7-2 overall.

In a game that saw limited scoring opportunities, Pascutti collected a loose ball up the right flank and attacked the near right post forcing goalkeeper Mary Mancin to close her down.  Pascutti slid the ball under the sliding Mancin to the far left post for the game-winner.  It was her second goal against CSU in as many games.

Columbus State had a couple great chances but was unable to capitalize.  Midway through the first half, Kelsey Pelletier beat her opponent on the right end line serving a great ball into the box but rolled dangerously out of the penalty area as no one was able to get a touch on it. 

The Lady Cougars best shot came off the foot of Kayla Brown who hit a blast that missed the upper right corner by inches in the 88^th minute.  Stephanie Lowery also had a good look on the frame earlier in the half but the shot sailed high.

Armstrong made their presence felt as they committed 17 fouls to just eight for CSU.  The Lady Pirates held a slight 14-12 advantage in shots while Columbus State held an 8-3 edge in corner kicks.

CSU has now dropped three of their last five games at the Walden Soccer Complex after boasting 57-8-5 record prior to that on their home turf.  It is also the first time since 2004 in which they have dropped more than one coference match in a season.

CSU has another tough challenge ahead of them on Sunday as they take on No. 8 Lenoir Rhyne at 1:30 p.m.  LR defeated Montevallo 1-0 in the first game of the Hughston Sports Clinic Shootout.  The Bears also ousted Columbus State from the NCAA Tournament last year in the second round, posting a 1-0 victory.

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