Shutout seals CAA win
Anthony Antinore
Issue date: 10/30/09 Section: Sports
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The only goal of the game came when freshman forward Alex Vazquez was taken down inside the box and Drexel was awarded a penalty kick. Drexel head coach Ray Goon selected sophomore defender Katie Duncan to take the free kick and she made no mistake by burying the ball into the top-left corner.
Drexel keeper, junior Nicole Sinclair recorded her fourth shutout of the season.
"Recording a shutout is one of the greatest feelings in the world," Sinclair said. "The team feels more confident and it allows them to become more attack-minded, take some chances and ultimately score."
Sinclair's efforts were impressive, but Drexel's defensive unit was the difference in the game and the difference in Sinclair's shutout.
"Without my back line, there's no way that we would have gotten a shutout," Sinclair said. "They were willing to defend at all costs, whether it meant sacrificing their bodies, challenging for 50-50 balls or simply getting in the best position to win the ball."
Drexel's defense allowed only eight shots compared to the Georgia State defense, which allowed 16.
Georgia State had its best chance early in the second half when freshman midfielder Carly Lafferty directed a cross toward Drexel's goal only to be stopped by Sinclair.
Sinclair's effort was also special because she was able to out-duel one of the best keepers in the CAA. Georgia State's junior keeper Heidi Blankenship was working on a massive scoreless streak coming into the game, but it was halted at 327 minutes when Duncan scored the only goal of the match.
The contest also marked the final home game for Drexel seniors Jackie Barrett, Caley Burke, Alicia Jiulianti and Carly Snyder.
The team will play its last match of the season Oct. 30 in Newark, Del. against Delaware. Sinclair knows how important the game will be for both the seniors who are playing in their final game and the team's confidence going into next season.
"It's extremely important that we win our last game of the season not only for our seniors, but for pride," Sinclair said. "It's been a tough season for us, so getting another win would be great for our team's morale, and it would show the CAA that we are a threatening team, regardless of our record."
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