ST. AUGUSTINE –
Annie Habeeb scored the game-winning goal in the 77th minute to lift No. 6 (United Soccer Coaches Division II Top 25) Flagler College to a 2-1 victory over Clayton State University in Peach Belt Conference women's soccer match at Saints Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints remain undefeated at 8-0-0 overall and 3-0-0 in the Peach Belt. Clayton State dropped to 4-2-0 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
"Today a lot of credit needs to go to Clayton State as they made life very difficult for us," said head coach
Ashley Martin. "We found a way to eventually break them down, which pleased our staff immensely."
With just over 13 minutes to play, Chloe Byne launched a pass that took one bounce just outside of the 18-yard box. Habeeb calmly settled under the pass and chipped her shot attempt over the head of retreating Clayton State goalkeeper Valentina Bonaiuto for what proved to be the winner. It was Habeeb's third goal of the season and second in three league matches thus far.
While Flagler entered the match as the top-ranked side in the latest Southeast Region polls, it was Clayton State that struck first.
In the 33rd minute, Flagler goalkeeper
Sarah-Lisa Dubel saved Manoly Baquerizo's low attempt, but deflected the shot into the path of a charging Teya Holloman. Holloman converted the rebound to hand the Lakers a 1-0 lead.
The Saints were able to equalize just before the halftime whistle, however. With 45 seconds to play in the opening half,
Chloe Byrne lofted a pass from beyond midfield and into the streaking run of
Sara Sandberg. She touched the ball past Bonaiuto just outside the penalty area and finished into an empty net to pull Flagler even at 1-1 and set the tone for the second half. It was Sandberg's PBC-best 10th goal of the season.
Flagler outshot Clayton State 11-6 for the match, including a lopsided 5-1 margin the second stanza. The Saints rattled off eight shots on goal, forcing Bonaiuto into six saves.
Dubel recorded two saves for the Saints.
"This week was a real test for us and we came away with two quality victories," said Martin. "So now look to reset and go again starting with USC Aiken on Wednesday."
That match will be at 4 p.m. against the Pacers.
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