UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer team used a huge three-goal second half to earn a shutout victory in the team's season, and home, opening contest. The Cardinals netted goals in the 47th, 58th, and 76th minute to earn the 3-0 victory over Truman State inside Braddock Field on Friday afternoon.
Stephanie Strong was a force offensively as she had a game-high six shots, half of which were on target. Strong also registered the game-winning goal for SVSU, her seventh GWG of her career. Sarah Fredrick was also active offensively with three shots, two on frame. Campbell Gibson and Madi Bajis were the other two goal-scorers for the Cardinals. Sara Samolinski and Carlee Davis registered the assists in the winning effort.
SVSU controlled things from the opening whistle as they held a 7-1 edge in shots and a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks for the first half. The Cardinals generated several chances during the first 45 minutes, but couldn't put the ball away as Truman's goalkeeper made the three stops necessary to keep the game tied.
Strong got things rolling in the opening two minutes of the second half when she beat her defender into the box and beat the keeper to give SVSU the 1-0 lead. Gibson followed suit with a score of her own. She accepted a nice through pass from Samolinski that opened her up to put the ball into the net and give the Cardinals the insurance goal.
Bajis completed the scoring when she tapped the ball into the net with a header that was set up by a free kick sent into the box by Davis.
The Bulldogs ratcheted up the pressure in the second half as they forced Saginaw Valley goalie Lainey Garbarz (W, 1-0) to make five of her six saves in the final 45 minutes to preserve the shutout win.
The Cardinals finished the game with a 19-7 shooting advantage and held onto possession for 55% of the game, 58% of which was spent on Truman State's side of the field.
SVSU will remain at home as Quincy comes to University Center, Michigan, this Sunday, September 3 for a noon, non-conference match.