BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- Troy University scored a goal in both the first and second half and goalkeeper Mikki Lewis posted a shutout to lead the Trojans to a 2-0 over Gardner-Webb in the season-opener for both teams on Friday evening.
"It is never good to lose but there were some bright spots. Keely (Brown) came up big in goal, and I thought out back line played well and stayed organized. I have no doubt our attack will get better. Troy is a quality athletic team that played more phsically than us tonight," remarked Mike Varga on tonight's game. " We will regroup, rest, and get ready for another tough team on Sunday."
Troy tested the Runnin' Bulldog keeper early in the first half, firing two shots on goal in the first 10 minutes, but Brown recorded two saves to keep the game scoreless.
It looked as if the game were headed into halftime without a goal, but the Trojans would net the first goal of the game in the 38th minute on a corner from Kristen Rendall who served a great ball into the box, which was headed into the goal by Abby Reynolds to give Troy a 1-0 lead.
Despite being outshot 10-1 in the first half of play, Gardner-Webb would trail just 1-0 heading into the halftime break.
The Runnin' Bulldogs were able to muster up more of an offensive attack at the start of the second half and
Tori James put a shot on frame, but Lewis made a nice save to keep the Dogs off the scoreboard.
Troy continued to look to add to its lead and Reynolds added her second goal of the game in the 72nd minute. Brooke McKee fired a shot which was saved by Brown, but Reynolds corralled the rebound and scored to put the Trojans up 2-0.
Gardner-Webb totaled three shots in the second half, two of which were on goal, but were unable to get a shot past Lewis as Troy would go on for the 2-0 victory.
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to action on Sunday afternoon, when they face Jacksonville State at 2:00 p.m.
