Oct. 19, 2007

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University soccer team achieved its second-longest winning streak in school history Friday as the Bulldogs earned their seventh-straight victory at home against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 5-0.

Samford's longest winning streak is eight and was recorded during the first eight matches of the 2002 campaign. That season was head coach Todd Yelton's first at the helm of the Bulldogs' soccer program.

"We were able to get out to a good start and we played well early in the match," said Yelton, now in his seventh season at Samford. "Everyone who came on contributed for us and that's really what you want on a Friday night. I couldn't be happier with the players and how they competed."

With the win, Samford (11-3, 6-0 Ohio Valley Conference) remained undefeated in conference play and picked up its largest margin of victory since 2003. The Bulldogs' explosive 5-0 win was its biggest since a 6-0 triumph against Belmont in the opening match of the 2003 campaign.

Samford received goals from five different players.

Amber Cress and Hilary Samuels both scored goals in the opening half of play, while Melissa Miller, Heather Birdsell and Kat Sweatt tallied scores in the final period. The Bulldogs recorded three goals in a six-minute span to put the match away early in the second half.

"I told the players that we needed to open the second half with the same kind of intensity that we played with in the first half," Yelton said. "We came out in the second half and we were able to find the back of the net. I really liked the mentality of our team and from an offensive standpoint we showed some great productivity out there."

Defensively, junior goalkeeper Cayley Winters and sophomore goalkeeper Jenna Sturgill combined for Samford's seventh shutout of the 2007 season. The pair has combined to save five of the Bulldogs' seven shutouts this year.

So far this season, Samford has outscored its opponents 32-11.

With the loss, Tennessee Tech (2-9-3, 1-4-1 OVC) had its winless streak extended to five-straight matches. The Golden Eagles have not been victorious since a 3-1 home win against Austin Peay on Sept. 28.

Samford will square off against Austin Peay at 2 p.m., on Sunday.

Tennessee Tech's goalkeeper Loretta McNamee was the player of the match. The Golden Eagles' senior from Fairfax Station, Va., finished with 12 saves.

"I have tremendous respect for (Tennessee Tech head coach) Carrie (Proost) and she does a really good job with her team," said Yelton. "They really try to play and they really try to knock it, and we don't always see that in this conference. I think that they are going to bounce back and give Jacksonville State a tough game Sunday."

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 1-0 lead Friday as Cress scored her fifth goal of the season during the 24th minute of play.

Cress, the reigning OVC offensive player of the week, has tallied three goals in the previous two matches and increased her career total to 10. On her unassisted score, Cress angled a shot neatly past McNamee into the right corner of the net.

Samford's second goal was scored by Samuels with only 1:21 remaining until halftime. It was her third of the 2007 campaign and the goal was assisted by Cassie Applegate and Cress.

The Bulldogs quickly extended their lead to 4-0 early in the second half with back-to-back goals from Miller and Birdsell.

Miller's first collegiate goal occurred during the 47th minute and was assisted by Samuels. On the play, Miller gathered a centering pass and rifled a 20-yard shot high into the right corner of the net.

Samford's fourth goal, which was scored by three-time All-OVC performer Birdsell, came at exactly 49:35 and was also assisted by Samuels. The goal was Birdsell's third of the season and the 18th of her illustrious four-year career. With the score, she moved into sole possession of fifth place on Samford's all-time goals scored list.

The Bulldogs' fifth goal was tacked on by Kat Sweatt during the 86th minute. The score was assisted by Lauren Cook, her third helper of the 2007 season.

"I think that we're playing with tremendous confidence," Yelton said. "I don't think that it's a false confidence at all. Our players have dealt with a lot of adversity this year and the younger players are growing up, while the upperclassmen have been great leaders. We have to keep battling and hope that when the dust settles, we'll be on top."

Samford outshot Tennessee Tech 25-5 and racked up 11 corner kicks compared to two.

The Samford University soccer team will next be in action Sunday at 2 p.m., as the Bulldogs host the Austin Peay Lady Govs at Bulldog Field.