Scoring the first goal for the third time in four matches this season, the No. 8-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College men's soccer team defeated Johnson & Wales University (Fla.) 2-0 in the 2018 home opener Saturday night during the Grizzly Classic at the Grizzly Soccer Complex.
The Grizzlies (2-1-1) scored a goal in the first 10 minutes of each half. First, sophomore
Toni Tiente drilled a shot that found the back of the net from 20 yards out in the ninth minute. Then, classmate
Krishna Clarke scored in the 54th minute for a key insurance goal.
GGC's offensive attack was well balanced, with eight shots in each half. Clarke attempted a match-high five shots, including two shots on goal. Junior
Carlos Delarosa and Tiente each recorded three shots in the victory.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Matija Gligorovic stopped five opposing shots, including three in the first half, to record the team's second shutout of the season.
The team will host Dalton State College (Ga.) on Monday, Sept. 3, at 2:30 p.m. Dalton State lost 1-0 to LSU-Alexandria in the other match on the first day of the Grizzly Classic.
Coach's Corner
"It is always good to win the home opener. We scored some good goals. I'm proud of the overall performance. I need to give credit to the fans and students for creating a great home field atmosphere. We're very thankful for everyone's support," said Head Coach
Steve DeCou.
Turning Point
The Grizzlies scored in the ninth minute when sophomore
Toni Tiente converted a Johnson & Wales turnover into a shot that found the back of the net. The early goal gave the hosts a lead it would not relinquish. GGC would add an insurance goal in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
Goals
9' –
Toni Tiente, GGC (unassisted)
54' –
Krishna Clarke, GGC (
Andrew White)
Inside The Numbers
- GGC attempted seven corner kicks in the match
- Eight players registered at least one shot for the Grizzlies; Krishna Clarke led the way with five shots
- The Grizzlies outshot Johnson & Wales 16-to-13 in the contest
- GGC registered the first goal of a match for the third time in four matches this season
News & Notes
- GGC improves to 2-1-1 on the season; Johnson & Wales falls to 1-1 this fall
- The Grizzlies were ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Top 25 preseason poll
- Georgia Gwinnett College is 6-0-1 all-time in home openers
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College closes out play in the Grizzly Classic by hosting Dalton State College (Ga.) on Monday, Sept. 3, at 2:30 p.m. from the Grizzly Soccer Complex.
