WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – A showdown between two unbeaten women’s soccer teams receiving national attention definitely lived up to its billing, with the No. 8-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College and University of the Cumberlands battling for a 1-1 draw over 110 minutes in Sunday night’s finale of a weekend tournament.

All of the scoring came in the second half of the match.

Cumberlands (3-0-1), which received votes in the NAIA Top 25 preseason poll, struck first with a goal from Naira Lopez in the 53rd minute. This marked the first time the Grizzlies (3-0-1) had trailed an opponent in a match this season.

The tying goal came off the foot of GGC junior Natalie Ferrin. She found the back of the net from in front of the goal in the 64th minute after receiving a pass from sophomore Joy Mertzig.

The host Patriots had a serious threat to winning the match in the final minute. A shot from Amy Anderson with 43 second remaining hit off the left post on a breakaway opportunity.

Georgia Gwinnett College senior goalkeeper Sophie Hoare made eight saves, several of them coming at crucial times in the match. Half of her saves were made in the second half.

Sunday’s match marked the first draw for the Grizzlies since a 1-1 battle against Keiser University (Fla.) in the 2017 season.

 

Coach’s Corner

“We faced a very good team. The girls responded to playing good competition. I am not happy to get a draw, because you always strive to win. However, we survived a shot off the post with a few seconds left, and Sophie made an unbelievable save in the final minutes of regulation. I am really proud of the effort we played with tonight. Natalie made a great run and tremendous soccer play for our goal,” said Head Coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.

 

Turning Point

Facing its first deficit of the season, the Grizzlies turned up the intensity on the field and soon found the equalizing goal in the second half. Following a foul, the visitors used quick passes to get behind Cumberlands’ defense to create the scoring chance in the 64th minute. Junior Natalie Ferrin buried the match-tying shot in front of the goal after receiving a pass from sophomore Joy Mertzig.

 

Goals

53’ –Naira Lopez, UC (Amy Anderson)

64’ – Natalie Ferrin, GGC (Joy Mertzig)

 

Inside The Numbers

  • The Grizzlies held a 17-to-15 shot advantage over 110 minutes of action
  • GGC recorded a season-high 11 corner kicks
  • Senior goalkeeper Sophie Hoare made eight saves for the Grizzlies, four of them coming in the second half
  • Freshman Jenny Stadin had a team-high four shots and paced three players with three or more shots in the match

 

News & Notes

  • GGC stands 3-0-1 on the season; Cumberlands is also 3-0-1 in 2019
  • Sunday was the first draw decision in six meetings between the two programs; GGC leads 4-1-1
  • Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 8 in the NAIA preseason poll; Cumberlands received votes in the same poll
  • The draw is the first since the Grizzlies battled Keiser University (Fla.) to a 1-1 score on Sept. 17, 2017

 

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College ends its five-match road swing to begin the season with a match at Middle Georgia State University on Friday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m. from Cochran, Ga.