GRAMBLING, La. – A free kick strike from
Fanney Einarsdottir in the 33rd minute was all the offense Little Rock needed as the Trojan defense kept Grambling off the scoreboard in a 1-0 win Friday afternoon at the GSU Soccer Complex.
"I thought this was a very mature and professional effort by our team this afternoon, and they fought through a tough Grambling team to find a way to get the win," said head coach
Mark Foster. "I was pleased with our defensive effort and we were able to get some girls with some valuable minutes, so I think we're starting to turn that corner and become a more mature team."
Einarsdottir put the Trojans on top for good with a free kick strike into the upper corner of the goal, giving Little Rock the 1-0 lead at the 32:06 mark. It was one of six shots on the afternoon for the Trojans, led by a pair from
Jana Heinen.
Mariella Stephens had the first shot on goal for Little Rock, putting a shot on goal in the 19th minute in the Trojans' first scoring opportunity of the day.
Allison Morrison and
Maddy Peake also tallied shots in the win.
Defensively, the Trojans registered their third shutout in five games this season with freshman goalkeeper
Paige Henry turning aside a pair of Tiger shots on the afternoon. She records her second shutout in as many games in a Little Rock uniform as the Trojan defensive unit held Grambling to just seven total shots and the two on goal.
In all, 13 different Trojans played 50 or more minutes Friday afternoon, led by a complete game effort from
Julia Edholm and
Sofia Karlholm while Morrison logged 89 minutes of action.
Natalee Geren played 86 minutes, complemented by 84 from Einarsdottir to round out the defensive effort for Little Rock.
"This is a very tough and feisty Grambling team, and they will be among the top contenders in their league," Foster said. "To be able to get a win on the road, have a clean sheet and get out of the game with no injuries, you couldn't ask for much more than that, especially looking at our upcoming schedule."
Little Rock's challenging slate continues as the Trojans will stay in the northern Louisiana area, making the short trip east on I-20 to Ruston for a Sunday afternoon matchup with Louisiana Tech. Opening draw against the Lady Techsters is set for 1 p.m. at Robert Mack Caruthers Field.
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