BLUFFTON, South Carolina – The Sand Sharks continued their dominant run at home, posting their second straight shutout and fourth of the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Albany State at Finland Field.
"I thought we put together another solid performance and played on the attack today" stated head coach Gary Boughton
With the victory, USCB remains perfect at home (6-0) and improves to 7-1 overall, including 2-1 in Peach Belt Conference play. Albany State falls to 1-5 (0-3 PBC).
USCB saw goals from three different players: Jenny Hesby, Izzy Amphlett, and Kaylie Samluk. Amphlett led the team with four points, tallying a goal and two assists. Kate James, Maggie Olsen, and Jasiah Pack also added assists.
In goal, Ciazia Powe and Audrey Sisto combined for the team's second consecutive shutout, making five total saves in the match.
"I think there's a few decisions players would like to have back where maybe we work for shots from closer to goal, but the effort was great and we had some really good stretches of possession" said head coach Gary Boughton.
The Sand Sharks pushed early for a goal, forcing a save from Albany State keeper Leire Rodriguez Najera, followed by three consecutive corner kicks. The Golden Rams managed to keep the game scoreless through the early pressure.
That changed in the 10th minute when Amphlett stole a clearing pass and found Hesby who fired it to the back of the net for the matches's opening goal, giving USCB a 1-0 lead, and her first of the season.
Just two minutes later, a throw-in was kept alive by Olsen leading to Kate James who played a pass in front to Amphlett, who finished off the goal to double the lead to 2-0.
The Sand Sharks struck again before halftime. After a corner kick led to a second attempt, Lauren Carmichael sent in a well-placed ball that found its way to Samluk, who scored her first goal of the season. Assists on the play went to Pack and Amphlett.
USCB took a 3-0 lead into halftime and continued to apply pressure in the second half, recording 12 of their 27 total shots after the break. They out shot Albany State 27-8 overall, including 16-5 in shots on goal.
The Sand Sharks held strong defensively to secure their second straight victory this week.
USCB hits the road for two matches next week, starting with a game at Middle Georgia on Wednesday, October 1st at 5:30 PM. The Sand Sharks return home on October 8th to face Georgia Southwestern at 3:00 PM.
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