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Furman downs Gardner-Webb 2-1 at the Select Kickoff Classic
Sept. 16, 2005
Greenville, SC - Nicky Darling recorded two goals as Furman defeated Gardner-Webb 2-1 in the second match of the Select Kickoff Classic. Darling now has five goals on the season for the Lady Paladins.
"Gardner-Webb was a well-organized, very good offensive team," said head coach Andrew Burr. "We are glad to get a win in our season home opener, and get a good result in the first match of our weekend tournament."
Gardner-Webb had the first scoring opportunity as Brittany Woods dribbled through the defense, but her shot from 25 yards was collected by Furman goalkeeper Andie Hinshaw.
Furman had a scoring chance in the 37th minute as Katherine Kelley's shot from distance beat Bulldog goalkeeper Corinne Razem, but sailed just wide of the far post.
The Lady Paladins threatened again in the 42nd minute as Kate Myatt's pass found Andrea Morrison at the top of the penalty box. Morrison left the ball for Nicky Darling, but the senior captain's try flew over the crossbar.
After a scoreless first half, Nicky Darling opened the scoring with her fourth goal of the year at the 51:12 mark. Gena Villari sent a short corner kick into the penalty area that Darling touched inside the near post past Razem.
Darling added her second goal of the match just two minutes later. Katie Tucker sent a bouncing cross into the penalty box where Darling one-timed the ball into the back of the net from 15 yards out.
Gardner-Webb got on the board at the 60:39 mark as Woods collected a miss-hit clearance and slotted her 16 yard shot past Hinshaw.
Anna Betton had two scoring opportunities as she dribbled through a host of Bulldog defenders, but each time her shot on goal was saved by Razem.
The play of the match occurred in the 84th minute as Kelley's blistering shot from 40 yards out looked to have beaten Razem, however the net-minder fully extended and got a fingertip on the ball to push it wide of the post.
Darling's curling shot to the upper corner looked to complete her hattrick,, but again, Razem was able to make a diving save.
With the win, Furman improves to 3-4 on the season. Gardner-Webb drops its overall record to 2-3. Both teams return to action on Sunday as Gardner-Webb will play Western Carolina at 12 noon and Furman will face off against Eastern Kentucky at 2:30 p.m.
Scoring:
FUR - Nicky Darling (Gena Villari) 51:12
FUR - Darling (Katie Tucker) 53:13
GWU - Brittany Woods (unassisted) 60:39
Shots:
FUR - 23
GWU - 4
Saves:
FUR - Hinshaw (1)
GWU - Razem (8)
Corner Kicks:
FUR - 4
GWU - 5
Fouls:
FUR - 13
GWU - 14
