Armstrong Atlantic Escapes North Georgia 1-0 in Overtime

SAVANNAH, Ga. (October 30) -- Sophomore Kristin Burton turned a defensive misplay into the game-winner in overtime as the No. 24-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State women*s soccer squad edged North Georgia, 1-0, in a first-round Peach Belt Conference tournament match on Tuesday afternoon in Savannah.

The two teams played an overtime match for the second time in the last 11 days, but this one had little of the offensive fireworks the first match provided. The Pirates (13-3-1) and the Saints (7-9-1) scored nine goals combined in that first match, but scoring opportunities were hard to come by in this postseason contest. A scoreless first half resulted in both teams combining for just 11 shots.

AASU took charge in the second half, outshooting the Saints 13-2 after intermission, but still could not find the back of the net. North Georgia goalkeeper Jessica English made three second-half saves, to push the game into overtime.

In overtime, the winning play came from Burton in the 95th minute. Near the top of the box, a misplay by the Saints* back line gave Burton a clear lane to the ball. The reigning PBC Player of the Year made a move to the left and beat English low for the game-winning goal. It was Burton's 10th game-winning goal of the year and improved a streak in which the Pirates are 16-0 when Burton scores the match*s first goal.

AASU would finish the match with a 21-8 advantage in shots and freshman goalkeeper Tracey Mitchell recorded two saves in picking up the shutout win, the Pirates' 11th shutout of the year. English recorded five saves for the Saints.

The Pirates now advance to the Peach Belt Tournament semifinals, which will take place on Friday, November 2, at either AASU or Columbus State, depending on the CSU/USC Aiken result later tonight.