Sept. 25, 2009

Box Score

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Samford soccer team used a key second-half goal from sophomore Sarah Wilkinson to defeat The Citadel Bulldogs 1-0 on Friday in the Southern Conference opener for both teams. With the victory, Samford extended its winning streak to six-consecutive matches and remained undefeated this season.

"It was good for us to get a win, but I don't think we played that sharp today," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "The Citadel is a tough, scrappy team and they played their hearts out. I think that they are much improved this season and (head coach) Bob (Winch) does an outstanding job with them. It was a conference win for us and it's always good to start league play 1-0."

Samford (6-0-1, 1-0 SoCon) posted its seventh-consecutive shutout Friday and the Bulldogs have not allowed a goal this season. In seven matches, Samford has outscored its opposition by a total of 10-0.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alyssa Whitehead earned her sixth complete-game shutout. So far this year, the Bulldogs' 6-foot-3 native of Hattiesburg, Miss., has compiled 25 saves. Whitehead has not allowed a goal in 640 minutes of action this season.

"Our defense was solid, but I thought Alyssa played really well," Yelton said. "She made a fantastic save in the second half on what I thought was going to be a definite goal. She's been huge for us this season and she's made a lot of really tough plays."

Wilkinson scored Samford's game-winning goal during the 56th minute of play. The score was her team-leading fourth of the season. Wilkinson also leads the Bulldogs with three game-winning goals this year. Senior Amber Cress was credited with an assist on the play.

"I thought that Hilary (Samuels) did a great job of setting up the goal," said Yelton. "She sent in a forwarding pass over the defense and then Sarah did a great job of getting into position for the goal. She's really been clutch for us this season and once again she tallied the game-winner for us."

With the loss, The Citadel (3-6, 0-1 SoCon) had its losing streak extended to three-consecutive matches. Prior to Friday's defeat, the Bulldogs suffered back-to-back setbacks against Florida Gulf Coast 2-1 and North Florida 4-2. The Citadel is now 0-2 all-time against Samford.

Samford outshot The Citadel 10-8 on Friday, while the fouls were even at 14-14. The Citadel registered three corner kicks, compared to only one for Samford.

The Samford University soccer team will next be in action Sunday at noon as the Bulldogs continue their conference-opening road trip with a showdown against the College of Charleston Cougars. The match will be held at Patriot's Point.