MOREHEAD, KY.--- Carly Lafferty's game-winner and two goals from junior forward Apryl Goodwin helped Georgia State women's soccer open the season on a positive note as they defeated Morehead State 4-2 on Sunday.
Lafferty and freshman Sarah Bennett each netted their first goal in Panther blue to down the Eagles. Sophomore Erinique Owens contributed two assists in the game, a career best. Junior goalkeeper Heidi Blankenship picked up the win by playing all 90 minutes and registering eight saves.
Georgia State landed the first blow in the contest, when Bennett's first career goal came in the 38th minute on an assist from junior Stephanie Cuccia, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead heading to the half.
Georgia State head coach Domenic Martelli was able to find minutes for a number of Panthers, subbing in Bennett, Lafferty,
Megan Geiger, Cuccia, and Kaila Muecke in the first half.
"Morehead already had a good, intense victory over Valparaiso coming in," said Martelli. "They had an understanding of their team management and fitness. We knew we had to hold on and figure out what we needed to do, initially. They were very athletic, big and strong. They created a lot of opportunities for corners and free kicks, giving them chances to score.
We weathered the storm in the first half and found a way to play to our strengths in the second."
In the second half, the Panthers found some breathing room on a goal from Apryl Goodwin in the 60th minute, extending the lead to 2-0. Morehead State bounced back quickly with a goal in the 61st minute, but once again the Panthers responded on Carly Lafferty's game-winner in the 62nd.
"After a really nice goal from Sarah Bennett, we got our second wind at the half. When we started the second half we were able to play our game and take away some of the things that they do well," said Martelli. "Once we got Apryl's goal, it took a lot of pressure off and allowed us to take the game over."
Morehead State would cut the lead to a single goal one more time in the 77th minute before Apryl Goodwin's second goal of the afternoon closed the door in the 84th. "Apryl's second came on a beautiful cross that Erinique volleyed across to Apryl for the header," said Martelli.
Georgia State was able to play 19 different players in the game. Five freshmen (Baker, Bennett, Lafferty, Geiger, and Erin Hill) saw action. Two transfers (Sarah Dashiell and Marshett Clarke) saw significant minutes as well.
"Our back line played very well. It was great to see them out their together. We played a lot of people today, giving them opportunities to work hard. To go on the road and get a win against an NCAA tournament team says a lot about our team, but we still have a long way to go," said Martelli.
The win moves the Panthers to 1-0 on the season as they look forward to next Friday August 28 when they take on North Florida in Jacksonville.
