ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA -- The SUU Soccer team claimed a 1-0 victory over South Carolina State, and first-year Head Coach Steven Lindquist earned his first career win. True freshman forward Gracen Blieschke scored the game's only goal.
Head Coach Steven Lindquist said
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Game Recap
The game started with an over-an-hour-long lightning delay, but when things finally got going, the Thunderbirds were consistently on the attack.
The first 20 minutes saw a lot of back-and-forth between the two programs, but as the half went on, the Thunderbirds created many high-quality chances. Gracen Blieschke was phenomenal all game long for SUU, including a shot that hit off the left post as the first half was closing.
It took less than three minutes for the Thunderbirds to find the back of the net in the second half. The quick-footed Kayleigh Acree broke the back line of defense for SC State and found a cutting Blieschke, who curled a ball with her left foot into the side netting, and the Thunderbirds took a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute.
The defense for the T-Birds was outstanding for the full 90 minutes. True freshman goalkeeper Tatum Trout and redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Madison Ejgird earned the combined shutout, and the veteran-heavy defense proved they are a tough challenge for any opponent.Â
Statistical Recap
The Thunderbirds finished with 12 total shots and seven shots on target, compared to just three and one for SC State.
Blieschke led the team with six shot attempts, and she and Acree tied with two shots on goal. Halle Cowan, Sophia Memory, and Reese Peterson all also recorded shots on target.
Trout recorded one save on the night, and the defense allowed just three shot attempts.
Nao Yasuda, Rylan Tebbs, and Brooklyn Bradley all played the full 90 for the defense.
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will play their third and final game in South Carolina on Monday, August 17, when they take on The Citadel back in Charleston.
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