BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Nov. 10, 2023) - Georgian Court Women's Soccer season came to a close in the semifinals of the CACC Tournament. The sixth seeded Lions were the home team against No. 7 Bridgeport despite Bridgeport being the host university. The Purple Knights scored early and often, getting a lead in the first 10 minutes. They totaled two in the first half and four in the second for a 6-0 win. Georgian Court finished the season at 6-7-6.

How it Happened
• Bridgeport controlled the ball for much of the afternoon. They had a heavy advantage in shots, 16-2 and shots on goal, 11-2.
• The Purple Knights earned three corner kicks to the Lions one.
• GCU was whistled for just three fouls but did get issued a yellow card. Bridgeport was called for eight fouls, no bookings.
• Georgian Court was the aggressor in the first few minutes, pushing the ball into the offensive zone but were unable to get a shot off.
• Bridgeport weathered the early storm and put themselves in front 1-0 in the eighth minute. Kate Thill dribbled 40 yards through the Lion defense and beat Carley Polchak for the early lead.
• The best Lion chance of the first half came in the 22nd minute. A long pass fell at the feet of Abby Kennelly who one-touched it on net, but right at Bridgeport goalkeeper Angelina Greva.
• The next 10 minutes were spent in the Bridgeport offensive zone. Solune Moll took two shots a minute apart one that just sailed over the crossbar and another that rolled wide.
• Bridgeport did make it a two-goal lead and it was Kate Thill again in the 37th minute. Angelina LoFranco's long pass found Thill just outside the box. She took a step inside and ripped one up high just over the outstretched arm of Polchak and under the crossbar for a 2-0 lead.
• After the Purple Knights goal, Georgian Court built more offensive pressure, generating chances and got their only corner kick of the game. The Lions couldn't find the back of the net though and the half ended with Bridgeport leading 2-0.
• Georgian Court entered Emma Bennett in net to start the second half and came out like they ended the first. They were in control for the first few minutes, but Bridgeport capitalized the first chance they had.
• Tatianna Lizarraga from a sharp angle outside the box, close to the goal line, used her left foot and went into the upper corner for the Purple Knights third goal in the 53rd minute. 
• Shortly after the third goal, GCU played the ball into the box looking for Bridgette King. King got around her defender and appeared to have her arm pulled and held, but no foul was called and the chance was cleared away.
• With just under 30 minutes to play, Abby Kennelly forced a turnover and ripped a shot from the top of the box, but Greva made a diving stop to knock it away.
• Bridgeport nearly made it 4-0 in the 66th minute. A foul gave the Purple Knights a free kick from 20 yards out. Sandra Pedersen took the kick and rang it off the crossbar.
• Five minutes later they did find that fourth. Lazarraga dribbled from 30 yards out into the center of the field. Once she reached the top of the box, she stepped right, shot left and hit the net for her second goal of the game.
• The Purple Knights continued to pour it on. In the 79th minute a cross trickled in front of the goal line where Erika Mazza was there to redirect it into the net.
• Bridgeport wasn't finished though. With under five to play, Daniela Frey found Melike Dincel who stepped left, shot right and had the Purple Knights' sixth and final goal of the afternoon.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Abby Kennelly had both Lion shots.
• Emma Bennett made four saves in the second half.
• Carley Polchak made one stop in the first.

For the Purple Knights
• Angelina Griva got the shutout making two saves.
• Tatianna Lizarraga and Kate Thill each scored twice.
• Melike Dincel and Erika Mazza added one goal each. Dincel also had an assist for a three-point day.
• Angelino LoFranco and Daniela Frey each tallied an assist. 

News and Notes
• All-time in the CACC Tournament, GCU is now 31-18-2. 
• Leticia Da Silva played in her 40th career game. 
• Gabriella Paccione surpassed 1500 career minutes played. 
• GCU emptied their bench as a total of 28 Lions saw time on the field. 
• This is the first time all season the Lions have allowed more than three goals in a game. 
• Bridgeport continues to own the all-time series. Georgian Court is now 1-9-1 in 11 matchups with the Purple Knights. 
• The season comes to a close for Georgian Court in the CACC semifinals. The Lions were originally picked to finish 10th in the league in the preseason coaches poll and exceeded expectations making it to the final four.