Freshman midfielder Stephanie Strong continued her fast start to the season by scoring her fourth goal of the season en route to a Cardinals 2-0 win.
Head coach Michael O’Neill likes the addition of Strong this season.
“Strong has been a great addition to the squad this Fall,” O’Neill said. “We did not expect her to be scoring as many goals as she has been so that is just a huge bonus for us.”
O’Neill wants Strong to continue to focus on her work ethic going forward.
“I will be the first to remind her that her work ethic and toughness are most valuable to us right now, she has been relentless in every sense of the word and defenders hate playing against her,” O’Neill said.
After a slow start against Ohio Dominican on Sept. 12, SVSU found its footing near the end of the first half.
During the 42nd minute of the game Strong was able to find the back of the net on an assist from freshman midfielder Gabby Green.
Saginaw Valley carried the 1-0 lead into halftime and did not look back.
Sophomore forward Jensen Taylor scored her first goal of the season in the 73rd minute after a pass from freshman forward Reegan Kingpavong.
SVSU was able to hold on and win 2-0 to continue its unbeaten season with a record of 3-0-1.
Senior goalkeeper Olivia Argeros saved the only shot that she faced during the game and was able to earn a clean sheet.
Saginaw Valley continued its season on Sept. 19 at Davenport to start the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference (GLIAC) schedule.
O’Neill wants his team to reset their mindset going into GLIAC play.
“Now we turn our attention to the GLIAC season which for us is always our number one priority,” O’Neill said. “Our form coming into conference play will help us but we know this is almost a new season where everyone is once again 0-0-0.”
O’Neill also knows it has been important for his team to get off to their hot start this season.
“It’s been extremely important to get off to a good start,” O’Neill said. “Not only to build confidence within the group but those regional games hold a lot of weight when it comes to postseason selection criteria. We are glad we have those wins in the bank.”
SVSU will continue its season on Sept. 24 against Northern Michigan and Sept. 26 against Michigan Tech.
Both games will be played at Braddock Field on SVSU’s campus.
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