Sunday, September 09, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Sept. 9, 2007) - The ETSU women's soccer team rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Youngstown State Penguins, 3-2 at the Gamecock Soccer Classic hosted by Jacksonville State. The Bucs are now 2-1-1 on the season while the Penguins fall to 0-3.

In the first period the Bucs and Penguins traded shots back and forth when newcomer Kelly Brinkman (Clearwater, Fla.) found the back of the net to give ETSU the 1-0 advantage just four minutes before halftime.

The Penguins fought back as they tied the match five minutes into the second half when Jenna Fink scored on a free kick and took the 2-1 advantage when Lauren Brennan scored on a pass from Nina Pannoni in the 59th minute.

ETSU continued to battle as junior Rachel Layer (Bel Air, Md.) netted her first goal of the season on a rebound in front of the net to tie the match at 2-2 during the 67th minute.

With 13 minutes remaining in the match freshman Terri Miller (Cape Coral, Fla.) headed the ball past the Penguins keeper off the left post on a pass from Katie Green (Knoxville, Tenn.) to give the Bucs the victory.

ETSU outshot Youngstown State 23-3 for the game and made nine corner kicks.

"We jumped out to an early lead but then we found ourselves in a predicament and I think that the team did a great job of bouncing back. Anytime a team can find a way to bounce back and get goals from your juniors to your freshman it's a good thing," said head coach Heather Henson. "Anytime a team can go on the road and come back with two wins it is a positive thing."

Following the last match of the day, the Gamecock Soccer Classic All-Tournament team was named. Katie Green and Terri Miller were both named to the All-Tournament team, while sophomore Jordan Monty (Mesquite, Texas) was named to the All-Tournament team as well as the Offensive MVP. She recorded two goals and one assist during the tournament.

The Bucs were also crowned the Gamecock Soccer Classic Champion as their two wins earned them six points in the championship formula. The Citadel and Jacksonville State both finished the weekend with 1-1 records while Youngstown State went 0-2.

The ETSU women's soccer team will return home to host the ETSU Fall Invitational sponsored by Citizens Bank. ETSU will take on in-state rival Tennessee Tech on Friday, Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. For all ETSU women's soccer action, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.