FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. With the additional challenge of a wet playing surface on Saturday, the women's soccer Monarchs slipped past the Tornados of Brevard College for a 1-0 victory.
On a day in which her grandmother was recognized before the match for being a breast cancer survivor, junior
Kelsey Burge honored her grandmother by scoring the lone goal of the contest.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Brevard, 1-0
Records: Methodist 9-4-0 (5-1-0 USA South), Brevard 7-4-2 (3-2-2)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Brevard possessed the ball well to start the match, pushing the tempo on offense and attempting three shots in the first 15 minutes – two of which were on goal and saved by Methodist goalkeeper Carolina Simpkins.
- In the 19th minute, freshman Yaneli Sanchez found herself in open field with a chance to score. Sanchez took a shot that was saved by the Brevard keeper, but Burge was there to collect the rebound and immediately sent a second shot flying into the net to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead.
- In the 81st minute, Brevard's Kiara Porcelli attempted a penalty kick that was saved by Simpkins, who dove to her right to prevent the ball from reaching the net. Down one player for the final nine minutes, the Monarchs held strong, riding their one-goal advantage to a win.
NUMBERS
- Brevard attempted more shots than Methodist (12-6) and placed one more shot on goal (5) than the Monarchs (4).
- Carolina Simpkins' five saves puts her at 40 on the season. This was her third 90-minute shutout of 2023 (all of which have come within the last four matches). Her save percentage of .930 is the top mark among goalies in the USA South.
- Kelsey Burge has been on fire since entering the starting lineup. She's scored three goals in four matches as a starter.
UP NEXT
Methodist travels to Meredith College on Tuesday, taking on the Avenging Angels at 6 p.m.
