University of Georgia
Samford
Crowder Shines In Georgia Win Over Samford
August 26, 2016 | Soccer
Highlights of Georgia soccer's 3-1 victory over Samford from the Turner Soccer Complex.
Aug. 26, 2016
ATHENS, Ga. --- Following a delay due to lightning, the Georgia soccer team won its first game of the season with a 3-1 victory over Samford Friday night at the Turner Soccer Complex.
Senior Marion Crowder scored two of Georgia's three goals in the victory, marking her second and third of the season. This was her first multi-goal game since Sept. 21, 2014 vs. Vanderbilt.
For the second year in a row, Georgia's first win of the season came against Samford. Last season's victory marked the first under head coach Billy Lesesne.
"Our offensive movement without the ball was pretty good," Georgia head coach Lesesne said. "We were able to hold it and possess the ball. I think we did a good job defensively, when we turned the ball over we got it back quickly. We didn't allow them to get in offensive shape so it gave us more attacks and we were fortunate to capitalize on those."
Georgia and Samford shared the pitch for the first five minutes of play, with Lauren Tanner taking the first shot of the game, which went high.
Samford scored first in the ninth minute after a cross from Emily Jones set Olivia Cole up for the goal.
Georgia booted five more shots before Crowder went on a breakaway that allowed her shot to soar over the head of Samford's goalkeeper and into the near left side of the net for the equalizer.
Samford defense controlled much of the first 45 minutes, but Georgia came out firing in the second half. Georgia had 12 shots to Samford's 4 in the last 45 minutes of play.
Crowder scored the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute off of a cross from Tanner. This marked the 24th goal of her career.
Tanner secured the victory for Georgia on a penalty kick in the 58th minute.
"We've had some negatives and we've chosen to focus on the positives," Crowder said. "I think tonight we were more unified than ever and we decided that we were just going to come out and fight. We got put on our heels a little bit in the first half but we scratched and dug our way out just like we have been for the past three games. To finally get the result is nice and refreshing. I think this is a huge win for us and a big step in the right direction."
Georgia takes on Cal. State Fullerton Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Turner Soccer Complex at 1 p.m. ET.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA SOCCER: For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
