Second half surge triggers Clayton State’s 4-0 shutout over North Georgia
Yusuf scores twice as Lakers advance to Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals

MORROW, Ga. --- OCTOBER 25, 2006 --- The Clayton State Laker women’s soccer team took the first step towards defending its Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship on Wednesday, and kept its winning streak intact at the same time.

Behind two second half goals from junior Olaitan Yusuf, the Lakers downed visiting North Georgia 4-0 at Laker Field in the quarterfinals of the 2006 Peach Belt Conference Tournament. The victory was the seventh straight for Clayton State (10-7), and its ninth in the last 10 games. Up next for the Lakers is Armstrong Atlantic on Saturday in the Peach Belt semifinals at 2:30 p.m. at Columbus State.

Once again, the Laker defense set the tone as it has done previously in this recent tear. The Lakers recorded their fifth shutout in their last six games. In fact, Clayton State has allowed only four goals in its last 10 games.

Meanwhile, Clayton State broke open a scoreless game at halftime with four second half goals.

Antoinette Anounga gave the Lakers a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 50^th minute off an assist from Yusuf. Eight minutes later, Yusuf scored the first of her two goals on a header off a corner kick by Jennifer Winslett to make the Laker lead 2-0.

The score stayed that way until the 77^th minute when Yasemin Sunbul scored inside the penalty box off a corner kick by Deahdra Bowier. Two minutes later, Yusuf stole the ball off a North Georgia header, raced down the left flank and scored on a 15-yard strike. For her career, the two-time Division II All-American has 63 goals, putting her behind former Laker teammate Nkiru Okosieme for all-time record for both Clayton State and the Peach Belt Conference.

Clayton State goalkeeper Lindsay Schmidt recorded the shutout with three saves, while the North Georgia combination of Leigha Terry and Mary Canon-Williams had 12 saves.