Troy University Athletics
Bentley Earns First Coaching Win, 3-1
8/22/2008 5:00:00 AM | Soccer
The Trojans (1-0) dominated the second half scoring three goals and taking 20 shots while Faulkner was able to attempt just one.
“We're a very smart tactical team, so they understood what their weaknesses in the first half. There are two types of halftime speeches, tactical and effort and it was just a matter of making the plays. It was just a matter of getting the jitters out. I give Faulkner a ton of credit because they came out strong and really gave us fits,” Bentley said.
And make plays the Trojans did, as senior Jenny Smith, playing for the first time in two seasons, scored her second career goal two minutes into the second half on a free kick to knot the match at one.
The equalizer was just what the Trojans needed and something Bentley attributes to the senior's veteran status.
“It comes down to maturity. She saw a great goal scoring opportunity and took it. What can you say, it was a great strike,” he said.
Smith also thought her past experiences on the pitch helped her do what her young team needed.
“I realized nerves were playing a large part in why we were playing the way we were. I've been in the situation of being behind. I have experienced it and I knew we had to settle down and that we could still change the game,” Smith said.
Senior Kate Heilich bent a corner kick in front of the goal just four minutes later in the 52nd minute where sophomore transfer Jill Pinder was able to connect with a scoring header for a 2-1 lead. Pinder added another goal in the 84th minute off a Mary Morris cross.
“Jill creates a lot because of her great vision. She is a special player and she played a full 90 minutes today,” Bentley said.
Ashley Branham got the start in goal in her first career match. The freshman allowed just the one goal in a full 90 minutes with seven saves.
For the match the Trojans out-shot Faulkner 31-9. Heilich paced the squad with six shots (four on goal). Pinder and Smith both had five shots.
