College of Charleston
Delaware
Cougars Win Fourth Straight In CAA Opener
9/26/2015 2:40:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MT.PLEASANT, S.C. – Behind Lauren Killian's third straight shutout, the College of Charleston women's soccer team defeated Delaware 1-0 to open Colonial Athletic Association play on Friday evening at Patriots Point.
“I couldn't be more pleased with my team after tonight's opening conference win,” said head coach Christian Michner. “We played a full, tough 90 minute game and either team could have came out with this win. Both teams had great scoring chances but the difference was we put one of ours away and they didn't.”
The Cougars (7-3, 1-0 CAA) have now won four straight games en route to their best start since 2009. Freshmen forward Jessica Schifer notched her team-leading fourth game-winning goal of the season tonight in the 46th minute. Junior goalkeeper Lauren Killian extended her shutout streak to 356 minutes and made eight crucial saves in the victory.
The defenses looked sharp in the first half with both teams struggling to create many shot attempts. The Blue Hens recorded three shots on goal in the first period but Killian and the Cougar defense held strong.
“With her four game-winners this season, I think Schif is off to a great start to her career here at CofC,” said Michner. “She is turning into Ms. Clutch for us and is coming through for us when we need her. She is dangerous all the time and is always ready to strike.”
The Cougars wasted no time at the beginning of the second half when senior midfielder Michaela Herrmann played a ball perfectly to Schifer screaming down the middle of the box and put away her fourth goal of the season.
“We have a fantastic group of girls who have goals for this team and continue to make new ones as we progress through the season,” said Michner. “The girls played fantastic tonight all the way from our frontline to our goalkeeper Lauren Killian, who was just flat out dominant tonight.”
Delaware held advantages in shots (12-8) and corner kicks (8-0) but they could not crack the code that was the Cougar defense and Lauren Killian. She has recorded three straight shutouts, made 20 saves, and hasn't allowed a goal in four appearances since taking over as the full-time starter.
“My defense has been working really hard in front of me and they are great at listening to my directions throughout the game,” said Killian. “They have been playing at such a high level making it very difficult for other teams to create good shot opportunities, which gives me better angles to make saves.”
CofC will finish out the home stand on Sunday, Sept. 27 against the Drexel Dragons at noon.
