Box Score SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Claudia Coffin connected on her first score of the season in the 86th minute to lead the Converse (1-5) soccer team to its first win of the season, defeating Albany State (1-5) on Saturday afternoon at Fulp Field.
Converse put the pressure on ASU early, sending several crosses into the box, but were unable to get a boot on the ball to push across the game's first score. The Valkyries looked poised to score in the 19th minute, but Claudia Coffin's strike was knocked down by a Golden Ram defender. Lizzie Melching grabbed the rebound and her strike sailed just north of the crossbar, leaving the game in a scoreless tie.
Following the near miss by the Vals, Albany State went on the attack, but Darian Bankston was equal to the task, turning away any chance of a Golden Rams score. Jenny Matusik was inches away from giving Converse the lead as her ball clipped the corner of the post and ricocheted out of harm's way.
After 45 minutes of physical play the two teams entered the locker room deadlocked at 0-0. Converse held a 6-5 advantage on shots and 2-1 on corner kicks.
The Vals started the second half just as they did the first, putting a lot of pressure on the ASU defense. Coffin had two great looks at goal, but the Golden Rams keeper pushed both away to deny Coffin her first score of the season.
Albany State was presented a golden opportunity to score in the 74th minute. A perfectly placed corner kick found the head of Brittanie Evans, but Bankston displayed her athleticism, kicking the shot away from danger.
Coffin would not be denied in the 86th minute as she took a ball and beat the defender before blasting the contest's first score past the ASU keeper, sending the Valkyries sideline into sheer excitement. That goal would prove to be the game winner as the Valkyries defense shut down the Golden Rams attempt to force overtime late in the game.
Coffin led all players with five shots, all of which were on goal. Matusik and Anna Claire Albritton chipped in two shots each. Bankston recorded her first win in net for the Vals, playing all 90 minutes between the pipes, while not allowing a score and collecting seven saves.
Converse will return to the pitch on Tuesday, September 25 as it plays host to the Flying Fleet of Erskine College in a Conference Carolinas showdown. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.
