COLUMBUS, Ga. | First-half goals from Elle Henschel and Ansley Caldwell pushed the Columbus State University Women's Soccer team past Clayton State University 2-1 Saturday afternoon in Peach Belt Conference action during the Cougars' annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game at the Walden Soccer Complex.
The victory moves Columbus State to 7-2-2 overall and 3-0-2 in PBC play as the Cougars extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches with a 6-0-2 record during that stretch. Clayton State falls to 5-4-1 overall and 3-2 in conference play.
CSU took the field in specialty pink jerseys as the program honored breast cancer survivors, supported those currently fighting, and remembered those who have lost their lives to the disease. The jerseys were auctioned during the match, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Columbus State controlled the attack early and broke through in the 18th minute. Mia Robinson set up Henschel, who found the back of the net at 17:08 to give the Cougars a 1-0 advantage.
CSU doubled its lead before halftime as Caldwell delivered in the 34th minute. Raegen Varvarigos provided the assist as Caldwell scored at 33:31 to send the Cougars into the break holding a 2-0 advantage.
The Cougars continued to generate chances throughout the second half, recording 16 shots and 11 corner kicks over the final 45 minutes.
Clayton State cut into the lead late when Karley Perry scored at 84:55 to make it a 2-1 match, but Columbus State held off the Lakers over the closing minutes to secure the conference victory.
CSU finished with a commanding 27-5 advantage in shots, including an 11-3 edge in shots on goal. The Cougars also generated 14 corner kicks while limiting Clayton State to just one.
The win continued Columbus State's strong run of form as the Cougars remain unbeaten through their first five PBC matches of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
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Elle Henschel: 1 goal, 2 shots, 2 SOG.
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Ansley Caldwell: 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 SOG, game-winning goal at 33:31.
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Mia Robinson: 1 assist, 4 shots, 2 SOG.
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Raegen Varvarigos: 1 assist.
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Kendal Coreil: 4 shots, 1 SOG.
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Huda Sayedzada: 2 saves, 1 goal allowed, 90 minutes.
UP NEXT:
Your Cougars return to action Wednesday, Oct. 7, when Columbus State travels to Greenwood, S.C., to take on Lander University at Van Taylor Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
