JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Delaney Griffin's (Franklin, Tenn.) first career goal in a Carson-Newman uniform proved to be all the difference as the Eagles claimed a 1-0 road victory over the Anderson Trojans on Saturday evening.
"It's one of our team goals that we don't lose on the road," coach Simon Duffy said. "You know, it shows a lot in a team's character when we may not be playing at our best and we were still able to get the win."
Play at Legacy Early College in Greenville, S.C. began with no scoring for either side through the first 68 minutes of play. That all changed when Griffin received a cross inside the six-yard box from freshman forward Makayla Garner (Fort Mill, S.C.) that was knocked home past Anderson goalie Madison Paige.
To see Griffin finally be rewarded for her hard efforts through the season was "fantastic" according to Duffy to see. Her 23 shots lead the Eagles on the year, but none have found the back of the twine despite several opportunities that have sneaked just past the goal.
"It was a great goal," Duffy said. "We got in behind them and Makayla lays it back to her and she (Griffin) puts it home. Delighted for her to get her first one. Thought it was definitely deserved."
C-N attempted 18 shots in total, with nine landing on goal. Anderson's 16 shots taken in the contest ranks as the highest allowed all season for C-N. Anderson also took five corners, which ties a season-high allowed for the Eagles.
Despite their potential offensive chances, C-N earned a clean sheet for a third-straight match. The Eagles have not allowed a goal since Sept. 18 when C-N upset then-No. 6 Lincoln Memorial 2-1. Goalie Jasmine Rizk (Andersonville, Tenn.) recorded six saves against the Trojans attack, tied for her second-highest save count on the season. The last time that C-N has recorded three-consecutive clean sheets was back in 2017.
For the Eagles (5-2, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) the victory allows them to keep pace with Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne at the top of the table in the SAC. The three programs are the only ones who remain undefeated in conference play.
Similar to 2018 and 2016, C-N begins conference play with an unblemished record through three conference matches. In 2017, the Eagles went 2-0-1 through their first three SAC tilts.
This is the first road win for the Eagles in 2019. After losing a season-opening match to Bellarmine on the road in Louisville, Ky. on Sept. 5, C-N stayed home at Mossy Creek for five-consecutive contests, winning four out of five and beginning conference play on a high note.
Continuing conference play, C-N will be back at the confines of McCown Field on Wednesday when Lenoir-Rhyne rolls into Mossy Creek. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.