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HomeSportsHard-fought battle falls short for APSU Soccer against South Alabama

Hard-fought battle falls short for APSU Soccer against South Alabama

APSU Sports Information

APSU Soccer - Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville, TN – In front of many former Govs soccer players celebrating the program’s 15-year anniversary, Austin Peay State University women’s soccer team battled against South Alabama, Friday, before a late goal propelled the Jaguars to a 1-0 win.

Austin Peay Soccer drops heartbreaker to South Alabama Friday, 1-0. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Soccer drops heartbreaker to South Alabama Friday, 1-0. (APSU Sports Information)

Both sides remained level as the match entered crunch time. In the 86th minute, Danielle Henley scored the game-winning goal after receiving a pass from Jemma Purfield.

Henley was able to flick it beyond the keeper for an open look at net, and the Jaguars held on from that point forward.

The Governors (3-3) may have trailed in the shots taken category ā€“ a 14-9 advantage by South Alabama ā€“ but the effort was there for 90 minutes.

APSU Soccer - McKenzie DixonAPSU frequently made attacking runs toward the end line, sending in multiple crosses which nearly resulted in goals. Sophomore McKenzie Dixon and redshirt freshman Pamela Penaloza each recorded two shots to lead the Govs.

The Jaguars (4-2-1) attempted six of the game’s first seven shots, but soon after, Austin Peay had solid chances by sophomore Katie Costantino and Penaloza beginning in the 35th minute.

In the second half, the Governors held a slight edge in shots, 6-5, including a great look at goal by Dixon in the 61st minute which needed a save by keeper Justice Stanford. In the other net, freshman Mary Parker Powell played the full 90 minutes, totaling four saves.

APSU Soccer - Brianna AvitabileOnce South Alabama took the lead, the Govs came back firing, with senior Brianna Avitabile drilling a shot from deep which forced a save before the final whistle.

“I think it was our best 90 minutes of soccer,” head coach Kelley Guth said. “We talked all week about improving the width of the field, and I definitely saw progress tonight. I’m extremely proud of the girls for their grit and hard work. We had a number of players step up ā€“ I thought Katie Costantino was phenomenal tonight and Bri (Avitabile) gave us a spark in the midfield.”

At halftime, each alum in attendance was recognized, crediting their achievements for helping make Governors soccer what it is today.

Austin Peay continues its weekend festivities with a 1:00pm, Sunday contest against Alabama A&M, which will serve as Senior Day.

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