JACKSON, Tenn. -- Montevallo opened their weekend road trip to Tennessee with a 1-0 win over Union for their fourth Gulf South Conference victory this season. Taylor Gonzales' 77^th-minute strike was the difference in a contest.

The Falcons were looking to bounce back from last weekend's loss to West Alabama on the road against Union. Montevallo has not lost two consecutive games all season and this trend continued.

The Falcons outshot the Bulldogs 15 to 10 and placed eight shots on goal compared to five shots on goal by the Bulldogs. Montevallo was the stronger team in the opening half but was unable to break through the home side's defense.   

The game opened with the hosts hitting the crossbar through Madison Studstill. The first half was edged by Montevallo who had more of the ball but failed to score despite creating nine chances. Hannah Waki had an opportunity after Tylor Ring and Michaila Franklin had tested senior keeper Kristen Francis. Francis was forced into seven saves, with her counterpart Sydney Young making five stops.

The Falcons were better in the second half, especially after the introduction of Hampton Brinson. Allye Darnell had two shots on goal in the opening five minutes and the Falcons opened the second period with crisper passing. The junior combined with senior Taylor Gonzales on several occasions to carve out chances in the second half.

Their hard work was rewarded by midfielder Taylor Gonzales' first goal of the season. Last year's top scorer has three assists, but now has her first game-winning goal of the year. Gonzales converted a chance assisted by defender Christiane Malone to win the game 13 minutes from time. Malone recorded her third assist of the season.

Union improved after the goal and had a shot saved by Sydney Young and one just over the bar in the final ten minutes.  The Falcons held on for a well-deserved win to improve to a winning record in conference play.

Montevallo picks up a fourth Gulf South Conference victory and improves to 6-3 on the season. Union, who went to the Gulf South Tournament last season has fallen to 2-7.

Montevallo 1, Union 0
October 6, 2017
Smith Memorial Soccer Complex (Jackson, Tennessee)

HOW IT HAPPENED 

77' | Christiane Malone set up Taylor Gonzales for the senior's first goal of the season. It was the difference in a tight contest where Gonzales recorded four shots, two of them on goal.

 GAME NOTES 

• Montevallo had 15 shots, compared to 10 for Union. The Falcons recorded eight shots on goal, and the Bulldogs had five efforts. Sydney Young's five stops were bettered by Kristen Francis' seven stops in a losing effort.
• Gonzales' goal was her 11^th in her Montevallo career. She has led the team in goals in each of the past two seasons. The senior also has seven assists in her time with the Falcons.
•  Despite recording 15 shots, the total was below Montevallo's average of 17.3 per game.  Victoria Whitehouse and Allye Darnell, as well as Taylor Gonzales', led the team with two shots on the night. 
• The game-winning goal was the Falcons' 16^th goal through nine games
• Montevallo committed four fouls in either half, whereas Union were penalized all seven times in the second period and were held to four shots. The Falcons held the Bulldogs to zero shots on goal in the first 35 minutes of the second half.

RECORDS

Montevallo 6-3 (4-3)
Union  2-7 (2-6)
 
UP NEXT
 
Montevallo travels to Memphis to play Christian Brothers on Sunday, October 8^th at Signaigo Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT.