AU Women's Soccer Tops Lehigh, 2-1
Oct. 12, 2007
BETHLEHEM - Siobhan Gillan and Kelly McLaughlin connected twice in the first half to lead American University women's soccer to a 2-1 victory over Patriot League rival Lehigh on Friday night at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The Eagles improve to 8-5-0 overall and open the Patriot League 2-0.
American opened the scoring early in the first, with Gillan netting her first of two headers in the ninth minute. McLaughlin, a sophomore defender, attacked down the flank and sent a cross through the box. Timing her run, Gillan freed herself from her defender and headed the ball just past Lehigh goalkeeper Julie Kafka. On a similar play, the combination struck just over six minutes later, working together to score the eventual game-winning goal. The two goals in the win were Gillan's first points of the season, with McLaughlin sporting three points, all coming from assists.
"It was a great win for us," said Head Coach Michael Brady. "We set the tone for the game early on by capitalizing on our opportunities and kept our composure to keep the lead."
Down by a two-goal deficit, Lehigh picked up its attack in the second. After Melissa Montalvo scored her third goal of the season in the 59th minute, the Mountain Hawks came within one, but were unable to rally from behind.
Led by two-time Patriot League Defender of the Week and captain Annette Scott, American's defense helped goalkeeper Kelsey Wiggins earn her third win of the season. The Eagles held Lehigh to just three shots on goal, while posting six of their own. Wiggins was forced to make two saves on the night.
American looks to remain undefeated in conference action when it returns to the pitch on Sunday at 12 p.m., facing Lafayette in its Pennsylvania road trip finale.
