ALLENDALE, Mich. – The No. 8 Grand Valley State women's soccer team scored a late winner in the 84' minute to defeat Parkside 2-1 at the GVSU Soccer Field Friday (Sept. 16). The Lakers improve to 4-1-2 on the season and 2-0-1 in GLIAC play, while Parkside falls to 4-3 overall, 1-2 in the GLIAC.
 
The Lakers dominated the shots category, firing off 28 shots to the Rangers 10, including 16-4 shots on goal advantage. GVSU also led 7-2 in corner kicks. 
 
After GVSU had most of the possession through the first four minutes, Parkside got off the first shot of the game that was saved by goalkeeper Kendall Robertson. One minute later, Parkside got off another shot that hit the post. The Lakers got their first shot of the game from Kennedy Bearden in the 13' minute that was saved by the Ranger goalkeeper. Bearden got two more great looks in the 14' minute with two shots in the box that were blocked by defenders.
 
GVSU would open the scoring in the 18' minute off a corner kick. Stephanie Sturgeon placed the ball towards the top of the box where it went off the bottom of Cate Brown's foot and went right to Ryann Fetty who was there to put in the top left part of the goal. That goal was Fetty's second of the season, while Brown and Sturgeon picked up the assists. The Lakers were able to get off seven more shots in the first half but were unable to find the back of the net as they would hold a 1-0 lead heading into the break. 
 
In the second half, GVSU got a great scoring chance in the 54' minute. Taylor Reid got the first chance with a shot from inside the box that was saved by the keeper. Sophia Morgan was there for the rebound, but her shot was saved by a Parkside defender to keep the Laker lead at one.
 
Parkside would find the equalizer in the 58' minute on a lead pass to the middle of the box. The Lakers would respond with Kennedy Metzger finding the back of the net in the 84' minute. Kennedy Bearden was able to beat the defender on the right side and placed a great ball for Metzger where she was able to put the Lakers back in the lead. That goal was Metzger's second of the season and Bearden's second assist of the season.
 
Metzger's goal would end up being the game winner as the Lakers would hang on to a 2-1 victory. Bearden led the Lakers with nine shots, including five on goal, while Taylor Reid added four shots with two on goal. Reid led all Laker field players with 80 minutes played, while played 77 minutes. Kendall Robertson got the start in net for the Lakers and made three saves.
 
The Lakers will be back home this Sunday (Sept. 18) as they Purdue Northwest on alumni day at 12:00 pm. After the game, the team is hosting a 100 kids vs the Lakers game. Follow @GVSUSoccer on Twitter for live in-game updates and visit gvsulakers.com for links to live stats and video.