Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Alabama State
Second Half Surge Pushes Troy Past Alabama State
8/23/2013 10:15:00 PM | Soccer
Box Score l #Project19
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Three first-time goal scorers helped lead Troy past Alabama State, 3-0, in Friday's season-opening road win.
"We showed a lot of quality going forward and creating chances," head coach Chris Bentley said following Troy's first victory of the year. "It's a great starting point and now we turn our focus to Stetson."
Freshman midfielder Necee Jennings put Troy in the lead for good with a goal just inside the 18-yard box in the 47th minute. Jennings' goal came off an assist from Abby Reynolds. In her first career start, Jennings led Troy with six shots, four on goal.
Troy (1-0) picked up the pace quickly add another goal just seven minutes later as Cecilia Thorngren's corner kick found the foot of Kirsten Rendall, allowing the sophomore defender to power a shot past Alabama State (0-1) goalkeeper Kylee Hathaway in the 54th minute for the sophomore's first career goal.
Thorngren picked up her 12th career assist on the goal, moving the senior into third place in school history behind former Trojans Maite Goicoechea and Tara Petrucci.
Annabell Simpson rounded out the scoring in the 78th minute as the freshman connected on a penalty kick after being fouled in the box to pick up her first career points and push the Trojans to a 3-0 lead.
Goalkeeper Madison Winter picked up her third career shutout as Troy's defense held the Lady Hornets to just one shot on goal in the match.
The Trojans fired 24 shots in the season-opening win including 15 during the first half, but the Trojans could not find the back of the net. Keeping possession throughout much of the match, Troy kept Alabama State's defenders on their toes, firing 16 shots on goal in the victory.
On Sunday, Troy travels to Stetson for a noon match in Deland, Fla. The Trojans open up the home portion of their schedule on Friday, Aug. 30 by hosting Louisiana Tech at 3 p.m in the 2013 Trojan Classic.
For up-to-date information on all of Troy athletics, follow the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
