East Carolina University
Francis Marion
Soccer Shuts Out Francis Marion, 2-0
August 24, 2008 | Soccer
Aug. 24, 2008
FLORENCE, S.C. - A pair of second half tallies by two freshmen lifted the East Carolina soccer team over Francis Marion, 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at the FMU Soccer Field. The Pirates are now 2-0-0 on the year while the Patriots fall to 0-2-0.
With the shutout, senior Amber Campbell set a new ECU career mark as she now is in possession of 23 clean sheets. The old standard was 22.5 by Amy Horton. Additionally, Campbell was not forced to make a save in the contest as the Pirates snapped Francis Marion's 14-game home winning streak, which dated back to Oct. 18, 2005.
Francis Marion put up the first threat on the Pirates' net when in the 13th minute, Taylor Jenkins battled Campbell for a long ball and came away with possession. However, her 15-yard attempt at the open net sailed wide to the right. East Carolina held a slight 4-3 advantage in shots at halftime while the Patriots racked up eight fouls as compared to three for the Pirates.
The Pirates eventually broke through in the 60th minute. Freshman Leah Bagonis took a pass from fellow rookie Jessica Woodward and fired a long 20-yard shot toward the goal. FMU goalkeeper Emily Brandenburg made a diving attempt, but the ball bounced over her outstretched arms and into the net. The goal is the first of Bagonis' collegiate career.
Another freshman, Rachel Fuller, completed the scoring in the 88th minute with her first-career tally as she slotted a five-yard shot into an open net. The play began with a throw-in, allowing freshman Amanda Malkiewicz to pass the ball by Brandenburg, setting up Fuller for the easy finish.
"We came out flat today but we picked it up in the second half," head coach Rob Donnenwirth said. "It was good to have two freshmen score. Nicole Moore ignited us in the midfield and had a great game."
ECU held a 10-6 advantage in shots while the Patriots ended up the more physical side, committing five more fouls (13-8). Senior Blair Heffner, who assisted on Fuller's goal, and Bagonis are now tied for the team lead in points with three each.
The Pirates continue their five-match road swing on Thursday in Columbia, S.C. as they face SEC foe South Carolina. The contest is scheduled for 5 p.m. inside Stone Stadium.
