LAKEWOOD, NJ (Sept. 7, 2024) From the action on the field to weather in Lakewood, it was an action packed second half of soccer for Georgian Court. After a scoreless first half, things really picked up in the second. The Lions scored twice, and the wind gusted up to 40mph at times. Georgian Court weathered both storms on the field and off it to prevail in 2-0 win over New Haven and move to 2-0 on the season.

How it Happened
• The Lions dominated possession in their opener against Pace, but things were much even this time around. In fact New Haven controlled the ball 52% of the time, but were unable to get solid chances.
• The Lions led in total shots, 14-10 and shots on goal, 6-2.
• GCU also had more set piece opportunities with five corner kicks to the Chargers 4.
• New Haven was called for 11 fouls and three cards while the Lions were whistled eight times. 
• Not many chances in the first half as the teams chewed up the middle of the field for the first 45.
• Charger goalkeeper Caitlin Daley made a pair of saves while Delanie Wilkinson was completely untested.
• New Haven came out in the second a bit more determined to get shots towards the net. They took two in the first three minutes of the half, but right at Wilkinson's chest and she made the easy save.
• With 25 minutes left to play and the wind picking up considerably, the Lions had their best chance to score. Abby Kennelly hit the crossbar and the ball stayed out. That led to a Charger foul in the box though with Kennelly making her way to the dot.
• Kennelly shot low to her right and Daley was there to punch it away and keep the game scoreless.
• GCU kept the pressure on though and finally broke through in the 74th minute. The Lions earned a corner kick and Seanna Boan sent it into the box where Corissa Robbins was waiting. She was able to connect and get it up over the keeper for the game's first score.
• The Lions were primed to score again in the 80th minute with Kennelly on a breakway. She got taken down from a behind and a straight red card was issued, putting the Chargers a player down.
• It didn't take long for the Lions to take advantage of the extra player. Just 42 seconds later Kennelly carried the ball across midfield along the right sideline, centered it to Chiamaka Wokocha who made the extra pass to Ashley Merizalde and Merizalde didn't miss from there with a one-timer for a 2-0 Lion lead.
• Despite being down a player, New Haven was able to generate some opportunities late, but nothing on net and the Lions held on for the 2-0 win.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Goaltender Delanie Wilkinson made two saves to earn the shutout.
• Corissa Robbins played all 90 minutes and scored for GCU on two shots.
• Ashley Merizalde came off the bench to add a goal.
• Chiamaka Wokocha picked up an assist.
• Abby Kennelly took six shots and while she didn't score, did add an assist.

For the Chargers
• Caitlin Daley made four saves in goal, allowing just two second-half goals.
• Grace Simpson fired two shots.
• Layla Coppola and Emily Marco each put a shot on goal.

News and Notes
• This is the first time since the 2014 season that the Lions have started out 2-0. They went 10-6-4 that season.
• For fifth-year senior Corrisa Robbins this is her first career goal in her 57th career game after playing more than 4000 minutes.
• Ashley Merizalde took her 25th shot and scored her sixth career goal.
• Delanie Wilkinson earned her first career win and her first career shutout.
• This is the second straight game the Lions have scored off of a corner kick with Seanna Boan providing the service each time. 
• Georgian Court is currently the only 2-0 team in the CACC. 

Up Next
• Georgian Court is set to embark on a three-game road trip starting Wednesday, Sept. 11 when they travel to Dobbs Ferry, NY to take on Mercy. Game time is set for 3 p.m.