LAKEWOOD, NJ (Aug. 31, 2023) - Georgian Court Women's Soccer got their season underway Thursday afternoon on the turf. Their difficult non-conference schedule started right away with No. 11 ranked The College of Saint Rose. It was a one-goal game for much of the afternoon as the Lions kept things close, but the stingy Golden-Knight defense didn't allow anything as The College of Saint Rose walked out with a 2-0 win.

How it Happened
• The Golden Knights were in their offensive zone for nearly 75% of the match with possession for 67% of the match, controlling play all afternoon.
• They led in shots 15-2, shots on goal 5-2 and corner kicks 5-1.
• Saint Rose attacked hard in the first half getting off nine of their 15 shots and four on goal.
• There were no cautions or ejections and fouls were even 8-8.
• The first shot of the season for the Golden Knights went into the net just 79 seconds into the match. After a Lions turnover in the defense zone, Saint Rose capitalized by getting a corner kick opportunity. Elina Seppala's kick went through a couple of bodies but found Mia Klammer who slammed it home for a 1-0 lead.
• Lions goalkeeper Carley Polchak did her best to keep it a one-goal game. She made two more saves in the half and after 45 minutes it was 1-0 Golden Knights.
• The Lions defense kept Saint Rose off the board for much of the second half, but they were still unable to generate much offensively. 
• The Golden Knights added a second in the 80th minute with a little bit of luck. Elina Seppala's drive appeared off target, but redirected off of a Georgian Court player and past Polchak who was tracking in the other direction for a 2-0 lead.
• Georgian Court added a shot and a corner kick in the final 10 minutes, but nothing challenged the Golden Knights keeper as time expired.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Carley Polchak made three saves in goal for the Lions.
• Grace Konfederak and Emily Clayton were the only Lions to attempt shots.

For the Golden Knights
• Elina Seppala scored a goal and an assist on three shots.
• Mia Klammer tallied the first goal of the game.
• Pia Bozic and Peyton DeRouen shared time in net. Neither faced a shot on goal.

News and Notes
• This was the Lions first meeting with Saint Rose since 2008. They are now 4-8-1 all-time against the Golden Knights.
• In Lakewood, The College of Saint Rose is now 2-1-1 all-time.
• This was the first career start in goal for Polchak. 
• In 23 games last season, Saint Rose was held to two or fewer goals just nine times.
• Three Lions made their GCU debuts. Paige Coulahan and Juliana Rettino each got the start and Ava Reardon saw action off the bench.

Up Next
• Georgian Court has two days off before their next game this Labor Day Weekend Sunday, Sept. 3 against Frostburg State in Boyds, MD.