MORROW, Ga. – Junior
Paula Valbuena found the back of the net twice, including her first score that came just 51 seconds into the contest, to fuel the UNC Pembroke soccer team to a 3-1 victory at Clayton State on Sunday afternoon.
It was the sixth road win of the season for the Braves (9-3-0, 4-2-0 PBC) who have now won the last six meetings against Clayton State. The Lakers (5-4-1, 2-3-1 PBC) have won just once in their last five outings, and have not beaten the Black & Gold since posting a 3-0 shutout on Sept. 27, 2014.
| SCORING SUMMARY |
| 1' |
Paula Valbuena took advantage of a loose ball in front of the goal and sent one past Clayton State goalkeeper Valentina Bonaiuto. |
| 18' |
Clayton State responded as Pia Haug headed a ball to Jane McKevitt who knotted the score at 1-1. |
| 75' |
Paula Valbuena collected a loose ball near the midfield stripe and fired a shot into the back of the net to put the Braves back on top for good. |
| 87' |
Alexis Pittman's laser shot was deflected by CSU netminder Jane McKevitt, but Bree Mason got the rebound and connected on the second-chance opportunity. |
| TOP BRAVES |
+ Paula Valbuena scored a trio of goals in two road games this week (North Greenville), while also accounting for both game-winners.
+ Bree Mason's goal was the second of the 2019 season. Her first goal of the season came on a 3-0 victory at USC Aiken on Oct. 2.
+ Alexis Pittman matched a career high with her third assist of the season. She also tallied three assists as a freshman in 2017. |
| NOTABLES |
+ UNCP improved to 6-2-0 this season when playing away from their home turf.
+ Clayton State outshot the Braves 17-10, including a 10-7 advantage in the shots on goal column.
+ The Black & Gold improved to 10-9-2 all-time against Clayton State and have not tasted defeat in the series since the 2014 campaign. UNCP has held the Lakers to one goal or less in 11 of the 21 all-time meetings. |
| UP NEXT |
| The Braves will return home for a midweek matchup with Lander (5-4-2, 3-1-2 PBC) on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Lumbee River EMC Stadium. Admission to all home UNCP Soccer games is free. |
