Suazo Tallies First Goal of the Season to Give Goucher Conference Win

September 24, 2016 - HUNTINGDON, Pa. – An intense game left Goucher on the winning end when freshman Isabel Suazo put a rocket into the back of the net (67') in Saturday's game against Juniata.

Conference is always the time when mentality will get a team further than skill set. Both Goucher and Juniata came out flying, putting forth strong defensive efforts. Both teams entered half time with only 3 shots.

Goucher, having majority of the possession during the game, came out strong and found more success, earning their first corner of the game in the 55th minute. The attacking continued for both teams, but Isabel Suazo found herself open just outside the 18-yard-box and ripped one right above the keeper's hands and into the back of the net.

Juniata pushed numbers forward and tried to get something back, but the Gopher's defense stood strong. Senior goalkeeper Lexi Rudolph came up with some huge saves to keep the Eagles off the board. She made a big save in the first half, pushing the ball just over the crossbar, and made two breakaway saves in the second half. She totaled 7 saves for the game, all equally important.

"This was a classic Landmark conference game in that it was a 90 minute battle," said head coach Tati Korba. "I am pleased that we found a way to get the win and we had a number of players step up for us today. Lexi Rudolph had a great game in goal and Izzy Suazo scored her first career goal for the game winner. This is just one of many important conference games we have coming up-but it's a good start."

The Gophers (5-2-1) play regionally ranked McDaniel (7-0) on Tuesday and get back into conference with Susquehanna (6-2) on Saturday.