Sept. 27, 2009

Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - Rachael Shomper's game winner in the second half helped seal a 1-0 Western Carolina victory over Southern Conference foe Georgia Southern on Sunday afternoon in front of 671 fans at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

The Catamounts increased their shutout streak to a season-high 387 minutes, as goalkeeper Caitlin Williams inked her sixth shutout of the season. The scoreless contest gave Williams her 20th career shutout, allowing the junior to surpass Alesha Row (2003-2006) as the WCU all-time leader in the shutouts category.

Catamounts coach Tammy DeCesare congratulated Williams on her new school record, " (Caitlin Williams) is going to be a tough one to catch at the end of her career. She's going to be atop of that category for a while."

Shomper scored her team-high third goal of the season after a flurry of Western Carolina shots. Senior Shannon Fowkes led the attack with a breakaway, escaping past the Georgia Southern defense.

Fowkes's shot was deflected by the Eagles goalkeeper Lauren Santos, but the ball was corralled by Bri Cunnigham near the penalty kick line. Cunningham fired another shot that was once again deflected by Santos. Shomper picked up the rebound and scored in the far post to give the Catamounts the game winner at the 77th minute.

"We were just trying to generate a lot of scoring opportunities," said DeCesare. "Shannon Fowkes did a great job of getting through. She put the ball through. The keeper made a great save, but we were right there. We worked on and talked about crashing the goal on every opportunity. The girls' listened and it paid off."

The goal for Shomper tied her career high of three, which was set last season. The goal was Shomper's 10th of her career and her sixth career game-winner. The winning tally moved the senior to number six all-time in game winning goals.

Fowkes led the Catamounts with three shots, followed by defender Jenny Matteson with two.

Western Carolina dominated the shot totals in the second half out manning the Eagles 11-4 for the contest. The Catamounts also gained advantage in the corner kick column, including four in the second period, for a total of 5 corners to GSU's 3.

"Georgia Southern is one of those teams that has the ability to be dangerous if you let them," noted DeCesare. "Unfortunately, we let them. In the second half, we played far more indicative to what we are used to. We've got to play more consistent for two halves."

Sunday's victory extended Western Carolina's unbeaten streak at the friendly confines of the Catamount Athletic Complex to seven games.

The Catamounts will hit the road for the first time in Southern Conference action next Friday as they play at Samford in Birmingham, Ala. before wrapping up the two-game road trip at Chattanooga on Sunday.