Box Score Oct. 29, 2013
Box Score
Sophomore Juan Giraldo’s second half score completed a perfect five-game road trip for the Georgia Gwinnett men’s soccer team as the Grizzlies edged Cumberland University, 1-0, on Tuesday afternoon in the team’s final road game in Lebanon, Tenn.
After a scoreless first half, Giraldo converted on a corner feed from Martin Lugo in the 49th minute and the Grizzly defense made it stand up in the win.
The Grizzlies (12-4) have won five straight contests, all on the road. Cumberland fell to 5-12-1.
“There were points, especially in the first half, when we were absolutely brilliant as our possession and movement were outstanding,” said Grizzlies head coach Steve DeCou. “When we scored, Cumberland really upped its game. They never stopped fighting so we’re happy to get away with a win.”
The Grizzlies created countless early chances, owning a lopsided 13-0 shot advantage by halftime. The run of play evened in the second half, with Lewis Sharpe making two stops and the GGC defense keeping the Bulldogs off the board for the sixth shutout win of the season.
Cumberland’s Ian Hamilton made seven saves as the Grizzlies tallied 21 total shots on the day.
Georgia Gwinnett, which played just one home game in the month of October, allowed only two goals during its five-game streak. The Grizzlies own a 33-16 scoring advantage on the year.
DeCou’s squad returns home for Senior Day this Saturday, hosting SCAD-Savannah at 2 p.m. at the Grizzly Soccer Complex. The Grizzlies then host the 2013 A.I.I. Championships Nov. 15-16 in Lawrenceville, with an automatic berth to the NAIA national tournament at stake.
