Three first-half goals propelled the Georgia Gwinnett College women's soccer team to a 3-0 victory against Faulkner University (Alabama) in Thursday's home opener at the Grizzly Soccer Complex.

The Grizzlies have won back-to-back matches to improve to 2-3 for the season.

A freshman trio contributed to the team's first goal in the 22nd minute. Lauren Reid set up the play with a crossing pass toward the six-yard box from the left side of the pitch. Laura Feddersen then leaped into the air and directed the ball back to Svenja Zengaffinen, who was by herself near the opposing goal. She proceeded to beat Faulkner's goalkeeper with a shot inside the left post.

GGC took a 2-0 lead in the 31st minute when junior Joy Mertzig floated a shot into the upper right corner of the goal from 18 yards out. A long pass from Mertzig would later set up sophomore Victoria Watson on a one-on-one situation. She then beat the Faulkner goalkeeper for a goal in the 44th minute.

The hosts nearly scored midway through the second half when Zengaffinen hit the goal post.

GGC attempted 11 of its 16 shots during the first half, led by Zengaffinen's six shots in the match.

Freshman goalkeeper Matilda Johansson made four saves as the Grizzlies recorded their second straight shutout.


 
"I was extremely pleased with the quality of soccer during the second half. We just so happened to score our goals in the first half. Today was the first time that we saw what we could potentially be offensively," said Head Coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.
 
For the fifth consecutive match, the Grizzlies scored the first goal of a match. Thursday's first tally was setup all by freshmen. Lauren Reid made a run with the ball down the left side before crossing the ball toward the six-yard box. Laura Feddersen jumped and flicked the ball back to Svenja Zengaffinen, who was wide open inside the box. She drilled a shot inside the left post for the goal. GGC later scored two goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half.
 
Goals
22' – Svenja Zengaffinen, GGC (Laura Feddersen, Lauren Reid)
31' – Joy Mertzig, GGC (Kyara Armenta)
44' – Victoria Watson, GGC (Joy Mertzig)
 

• GGC outshot Faulkner 16-7, including an 11-4 edge during the first half
• Freshman Svenja Zengaffinen recorded six shots in the victory
• Freshman goalkeeper Matilda Johansson made four saves while recording the shutout
• The Grizzlies attempted eight corner kicks in the match

• GGC improves to 2-3 on the season, while Faulkner stands 0-9 during the 2020-21 campaign
• Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 19 in the final 2019 poll
• The Grizzlies hold a 4-1 edge in the series
• The team has scored three goals in the first half of consecutive matches

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to Truett-McConnell University (Georgia) on Saturday, March 6, in Cleveland, Georgia, starting at 7 p.m.