Alabama
5-1-0
FGCU
2-3-0
Team Stats
Auburn Mercer (2)
Assisted By: Emma Welch
8 beat mark, crossed, 19 shot saved and
61:27
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
Alabama Shuts Out Florida Gulf Coast, 1-0, Sunday Afternoon
9/4/2016 3:15:00 PM | Soccer
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Senior Auburn Mercer's late second half goal allowed the Alabama soccer team to pick up a 1-0 shutout over the Florida Gulf Coast Eagle on Sunday afternoon at the FGCU Soccer Complex in Fort Myers, Fla. Today's win marks the fourth recorded shutout of the season, which is the most shutouts through the first six games of a campaign since the 2012 season.
The Tide posted a 1-1 mark on the weekend, after falling to No. 20 USF, 1-0, Friday night. Alabama improves to an overall 5-1 record, while FGCU falls to 2-3. The Tide's 5-1 record is the best start since the 2012 season (5-1). Â
The Tide led in the three major offensive categories in the first half. Alabama compiled nine shots, six shots on goal and three corner kicks, while limiting the Eagles to eight shots, one shot on goal and two corner kicks. Sophomore Emma Welch led the offensive attack, as she tallied three shots, including two shots on goal. Mercer tallied two shots, including one shot on goal, while juniors Chatham DeProspo and Lacey Clarida registered one shot, and both of their shots were on goal. Sophomores Abbie Boswell and Tori Gann collected one shot, and Boswell's one shot was on goal. Junior Kat Statton's lone save of the half came in the ninth minute. The score was tied at 0-0 going into halftime.
The second half was a deadlock until the one minute past the hour mark, 61:27 minute mark, when Mercer drilled a shot in the back of net from six yards out to give the Tide a 1-0 lead off a cross that Welch delivered. The goal is Mercer's second of the season, and the assist is Welch's third. The Eagles tried to make a late second half push, but Stratton was solid between the posts picking up four saves in the second half. The Tide collected nine shots in the second half, six shots on goal and one corner kick in the second half.
Alabama collected 18 shots, 12 shots on goal and four corner kicks in the 90 minute contest, while holding the Eagles to 15 shots, five shots on goal and three corner kicks.
Stratton picked up her third shutout of the season, and she improves to 5-1 between the posts. With her five saves today, Stratton now has 16 saves on the season.
The Crimson Tide will be back in action on Friday, Sept. 9, when it travels to Knoxville, Tenn., to begin Southeastern Conference play with the Tennessee Volunteers.
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