Emory University junior Kelly Costopoulos scored her second goal in as many games, and the defense held Meredith College to just four shots, as the second-ranked Eagles defeated Avenging Angels 1-0 in the finale of the Meredith National Invitational Classic in Raleigh, NC.
The Eagles remained undefeated on the season with the victory, improving to 3-0-1 in 2012. Meanwhile, Meredith was dealt its first loss of the year, falling to 3-1-0.
The two teams battled through a scoreless first half, although the Eagles controlled possession for the most of the frame, and saw the majority of the scoring opportunities. Emory finished the first half with six shots, five of which were on goal, compared to just three for Meredith, all of which were on frame. Starting senior goalkeeper Erica Stein saved all three Avenging Angels' shots on frame during her 45 minutes of action.
The Eagles would continue to pressure early in the second half, before finally breaking through at the 56:49 mark. Off an assist from senior Merrill Bachouros, Costopoulos scored her second goal in the last two games, giving Emory a 1-0 lead. It was the first assist of the season for Bachouros, and the second goal of the year for Costopoulos, leading all Emory players in 2012.
The Eagles defense would also pick up the intensity in the second half, holding the Avenging Angels without a shot during the period until the closing seconds of play, when senior goalkeeper Kaele Leonard made a save on a shot following a corner kick to preserve the win.
Leonard played a scoreless second half in goal for the Eagles, making one save to improve to 3-0-1 on the season. She has now opened the season with over 224 consecutive scoreless minutes in goal. Meanwhile, Emory's defense has now allowed just three goals in over 404 minutes this year, good for a 0.67 goals-against average. It was the team's second shutout of the year.
For their play during the Meredith National Invitational Classic, Costopoulos, defender Lauren Gorodetsky, midfielder Clare Mullins, and forward Karina Rodriguez were all named to the all-tournament team.
Next up for the Eagles will be their home-opening weekend, as the squad will return to the Woodruff Physical Education Center to face Sewanee on Saturday, September 15th at 1:30 PM, and Roanoke College on Sunday, September 16th at 1:00 PM.
Emory Notes
Sunday's game was the first game decided in regulation for the Eagles this season… During Emory's two matches at the Meredith College National Invitational Classic, all three of the Eagles' goals were scored in the second half of play, and on the same side of the field… Costopoulos' goal was the 13th of her career, and her sixth career game-winning goal… The six game-winning goals are tied for the 14th-most in Emory history… Merrill Bachouros picked up her eighth-career assist in the game.