Johns' Game-Winner Lifts Warriors in Opener

Ashley Robinson Had 25 Saves for SWU

CENTRAL, S.C.- The Southern Wesleyan University (1-0) women's soccer team opened up the 2012 season in exciting fashion, as Allie Johns was able to break away from the North Greenville University (0-1) defenders to score the game-winning goal with 21.6 seconds on the clock in double overtime for the dramatic 1-0 win.

"What a great way to start the season," commented SWU head women's soccer coach Tom Price.  "I give alot of credit to North Greenville.  They came out and played hard the entire game.  Our team just would not give up tonight, and I am very proud of the ladies."

The first half saw SWU out-shot by a 21-2 margin, but Warrior goalkeeper Ashley Robinson had 16 saves in the first half of play.  Her play throughout the entire game kept SWU in the game as she finished with 25 saves to earn her first shut-out of the season. 

"Ashley did a fantastic job in goal," said Price.  "She made several saves that literally kept us in the match."

SWU defenders Kendall Bacon and Abigail McDonald were also able to help hold off the Crusaders offensive attack by their strong defensive play also.

Both teams had 2 shots in the first overtime, and NGU was able to get another two shots off in the second overtime, before Johns came up with the game-winner in the final seconds.  SWU's Katie Aldrich gave the pass to Johns for the game-winner and the assist.

For the game, the Warriors were out-shot by a 43-12 margin and NGU held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.

SWU will next be in action on Saturday, September 1st as they will travel to Point University for a 2:00 PM kick-off in a non-conference contest.