JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Earlier this season, midfielder
Caroline Cashion scored in under three minutes in the season-opener against Hampton, netting the sixth-fastest goal in program history. Friday night, it took her a little longer to find the back of the net, but her goal with 43 seconds remaining on the game clock was all The Citadel needed to defeat Jacksonville at Southern Oak Stadium.
The 1-0 win for the Bulldogs (5-2) marked the first time in the short rivalry that The Citadel has beaten Jacksonville (2-4). The Dolphins claimed the first two meetings.
"This was a huge win for our program," said Head Coach
Ciaran Traquair. "I am so proud of this group for the way they handled the game tonight. We carried out the game plan and got that bit of quality from Caroline in the dying moments. We handled the pressure of a tough road game and were able to settle into the game and move the ball at a good tempo. It sets a great standard for how hard you have to work to get results on the road. Tonight, we were outstanding and at 100% across the board with our attitude and work rate. Definitely a big win for the 'Dogs."
On Friday night, the Bulldogs also set another program first, collecting five wins in the first seven games, matching last season's win total.
Despite being out-shot by the Dolphins 14-11, the Bulldogs were relentless in their attack prior to Cashion's first game-winner of the season. The goal came off three shots, two of which were on frame, for the midfielder. Freshman
Ellie Burgess matched her shots on goal total with two while
Cierra Skyers had two shots.
Of The Citadel's 11 shots, six were on frame, forcing Jacksonville goalkeeper Brittany Hundley (1-1) to make five saves while giving up the lone goal in just her third start of the season. On the other side of the field,
Logan Leask (1-0) made her first start of the year and did not disappoint as she finished the 90 minutes with seven saves between the pipes to earn the fifth solo shutout of her career.
The Bulldogs will remain in Jacksonville, Florida, to face North Florida on Sunday, Sept. 17. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m.
For more information on The Citadel soccer team, follow @CitadelWSoccer or visit CitadelSports.com.
