Alabama
9-5-1, 4-3-0SEC
South Carolina
10-3-3, 4-2-1SEC
Soccer Continues Friday Night Brilliance
10/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 17, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama soccer team continues to shine under the lights on Friday nights as the Crimson Tide earned a crucial Southeastern Conference victory over South Carolina by the score of 1-0 at the Alabama Soccer Complex. The victory improves the Tide's record to 9-5-1 overall and 4-3-0 in SEC play while the Gamecocks drop to 10-3-3 on the year and 4-2-1 in league play.
"I am really happy with how we played in the first half," head coach Todd Bramble said. "We came out strong and showed a lot of confidence against a really good team. We were able to score a quality goal on a set piece and defensively our organization was excellent."
The nine wins already ties the total from a year ago and the four wins in SEC play is the most for Alabama since 2004. The shutout at home marks the seventh on the season for Alabama and the second during league action.
Sophomore midfielder Rosaly Petriello provided all the offense the Tide would need as she drilled a left footed volley off a Kailey Corken corner kick in the 17th minute. Alabama pressured early in the first half, creating a number of chances after the first whistle.
Junior goalkeeper Kara Gudmens tallied her sixth shutout on the year on the strength of eight saves. South Carolina out-shot Alabama 20-6, including a 10-0 advantage in the second half. Gudmens made some impressive saves defending the high frame by tipping the ball over the crossbar nearly horizontal.
Lindsay Small paced the Gamecocks with six shots, putting two on goal. Natalie Aaron tallied four shots with each on frame. Senior Jessica Deegan led Alabama with two shots.
The Crimson Tide will conclude its weekend with a Sunday matinee against the No. 10 ranked Florida Gators. Alabama will square off against the Gators at 1:00 p.m. at the UA Soccer Complex. Alabama will then play a rare Thursday game under the lights in Knoxville, Tenn. against the Volunteers on Oct. 23 at 6:00 p.m. Alabama closes out its home schedule against Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Team Stats
PETRIELLO, Rosaly (2)
Assisted By: CORKEN, Kailey
volley off a corner kick over keeper 10
16:14
