Record-setting game for Yusuf as Laker women open season with road victory
Senior forward sets Clayton State, Peach Belt Conference all-time goals record in 2-1 thriller at Lincoln Memorial

HARROGATE, Tenn. – August 28, 2007 – Even a later than expected start to the 2007 Clayton State women’s soccer season wasn’t going to stop Olaitan Yusuf from a tremendous milestone.

The senior forward scored twice on Tuesday as the Laker women finally opened the season with a thrilling 2-1 victory at Lincoln Memorial. It was the Clayton State’s adjusted season opener after the official season opener last Friday against Alabama-Huntsville was halted at halftime due to inclement weather.

The two goals by Yusuf made her the all-time leading goal scorer at both Clayton State and in the Peach Belt Conference with 64 goals. She passes former Laker All-American and current Clayton State assistant coach Nkiru Okosieme for first place in that category.

Yusuf gave the Lakers a 1-0 lead at the seven-minute mark of the first half when she stole the ball at midfield and beat Lady Railsplitter goalkeeper Courtney Hollis for the goal and a 1-0 Clayton State lead.

The score remained 1-0 into the second when the Lady Railsplitters finally got the equalizer in the 67th minute when Karina Campos scored from the middle of the box off a cross pass from Becky Thompson.

However, Clayton State responded with Yusuf. The senior forward got a flick pass from Teresa Dack-Smith at midfield and scored on a breakaway in the 76th minute. From there, Clayton State fended off numerous scoring opportunities by determined Lincoln Memorial (1-1).

Making her first start in goal as a Clayton State Laker, junior Whitney Jowers was tremendous, recording 10 saves for the game. Hollis had two saves in the losing effort for the Lady Railsplitters. Lincoln Memorial more than doubled the shot attempts over Clayton State, out-shooting the Lakers 24-11.

Clayton State is back on the road this Saturday for a 4 p.m. showdown at Newberry.