LAKEWOOD, NJ (Oct. 9, 2024) - Georgian Court Women's Soccer faced one of their toughest test of season Wednesday afternoon and came out on top, 1-0, against Wilmington who had been unbeaten in the CACC. Again it was Chelsea Lavezzo scoring the goal for GCU and the Lions defense made it hold up to improve to 8-3 on the season and 5-1 in the CACC.

How it Happened
• Wilmington was in control much of the afternoon, but couldn't get anything past the GCU goalkeeper.
• The Wildcats totaled 16 shots to Georgian Court's four and seven on goal.
• Wilmington also generated seven corner kicks while the Lions took just two.
• Georgian Court picked up the only yellow card in the match. Wilmington was called for 10 common fouls and GCU six.
• Not that there's anything wrong with it, but the first half was hardly what anyone would consider exciting.
• Scoring chances were limited as the team's were feeling each other out.
• With just under 20 minutes remaining, Georgian Court was yet to take a shot and the only Wildcat shot was blocked.
• Wilmington had a couple more chances later in the half, but nothing that led to a true scoring threat and the match was still scoreless after 45 minutes.
• The Wildcats seemed to have some momentum early in the second half with four shots. The Lions defenders did a good job of stepping in front to blocks balls from reaching the net.
• Georgian Court didn't generate much sustained offense, but only needed to capitalize once. That's what they did in the 53rd minute. Abby Kennelly brought the ball into the zone and fought off multiple Wildcat defenders to maintain possession. She crossed to the top of the box to Chelsea Lavezzo. Goalkeeper Mio Nakajama came out high and when Lavezzo maintained possession, she was able to chip it high over Nakajima and into the net for the game's first tally.
• Shortly after the goal, Emma Bennett made a save and GCU blocked another shot in front of the goal.
• Less than 20 minutes to play, Wilmington had an opportunity with consecutive corner kicks, but again, could not find the equalizer. 
• In the closing minutes, the Lions played keep away to a tee and didn't allow Wilmington any opportunities as they came away with a 1-0 win.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Chelsea Lavezzo had the lone goal.
• Abby Kennelly earned an assist.
• Emma Bennett made seven saves to earn the shutout.

For the Wildcats
• Jordan Siok took a game-high four shots.
• Arianna Meyers got the start in goal and didn't allow a goal. She was pulled though in the second half for Mio Nakajima who allowed the game winner. Meyers made one save and Nakajima finished with two.

News and Notes
• Emma Bennett has allowed no more than one goal in any of her seven starts. She's now up to 50 career saves.
• Georgian Court improves to 14-12-3 all-time against Wilmington.
• Ashley Merizalde surpassed 2,000 career minutes played.
• The game featured 71 total throw ins.
• The Lions are now tied with Jefferson and Wilmington at five CACC wins.
• This game was a battle of two United Soccer Coaches top-10 regionally ranked teams. 

Up Next
• Georgian Court hits the road this Saturday and steps out of conference play to take on Queens Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.