title image via Derrick Hingle
Courtesy of XULA Athletics
Georgia Gwinnett scored goals in each half Tuesday afternoon to earn a 2-0 women’s soccer victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at Lafreniere Park.
It was the Gold Nuggets’ home opener. XULA will return to Lafreniere Saturday for a noon matchup with NCAA Division II Spring Hill. Admission is free to all XULA home soccer games.
Ola Orelesi’s header in the 15th minute — Riko Yasuzawa’s right-corner kick set it up — scored the first goal. Natalie Maguire notched the second goal in the 80th minute after the Grizzlies misfired twice a few seconds earlier.
XULA (0-2) had only two shots on goal, by Eduarda Queiroz and Julia de Souza in the final 11 minutes.
Georgia Gwinnett is 3-0.
Both teams qualified for NAIA nationals a year ago. XULA accomplished that in its first season and reached the second round. The Grizzlies and Gold Nuggets were among “others receiving votes” in the NAIA preseason coaches poll two weeks ago.
After Saturday the Gold Nuggets will play on the road three times before returning home for a 1 p.m. Red River Athletic Conference game against North American Sept 28 at Lafreniere. XULA’s RRAC opener will be Sept. 19 against Southwest in Hobbs, N.M.
Next Game:
Spring Hill
8/31/2024 | Noon
Team Statistics
| Game Stats | GGC | XULA |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Shots | 10 | 7 |
| Shots on Goal | 6 | 2 |
| Saves | 2 | 4 |
| Corners | 2 | 1 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
| Fouls | 7 | 4 |
| 14:27 | |
|---|---|
 | Ola Orelesi Assisted By: Riko Yasuzawa * |
| 79:35 | |
| Natalie Maguire Assisted By: Bre Harvey * |
