GALLOWAY, N.J.  After a scoreless first half in the opening game of the 2023 season, the Methodist women's soccer team conceded a goal to Stockton early in the second period that would turn out to be the only score of the match. The Monarchs fell to the Ospreys 1-0 in their first game of the Stockton Classic.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Stockton def. Methodist, 1-0
Records: Methodist 0-1, Stockton 1-0
Location: Larry James Stadium; Galloway, N.J.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Monarchs appeared dominant in the first half, with Yaneli Sanchez recording the first two shots on goal of the match. The Ospreys responded with two shots on goal of their own, both of which were saved by Methodist's Carolina Simpkins.
• Sanchez kept firing, finishing the half with eight shots to her name (including seven on goal), but she was unable to find the back of the net. As a team, the Monarchs out-shot the host team 10-3 while playing a clean half with just one foul committed.
• It was if the script flipped in the second half. After a save by Simpkins less than two minutes into the new period, Stockton's next shot, which came in the 58th minute, resulted in a score.
• The Osprey fired off nine more attempts, five of which required efforts by Simpkins to deny another goal. Methodist was conversely held to just two shots for the remainder of the match, with only one posing a threat that was handled by the Stockton goalkeeper.

NUMBERS

• Simpkins' eight saves tie her career high for saves in one match. She previously totaled the same amount against Christopher Newport in 2022.
• Sanchez's eight shot attempts were a game high. She combined with fellow freshman Brooke Hunter for 10 of Methodist's 12 shots and all eight shots on goal.

UP NEXT
Methodist returns to Larry James Stadium on Saturday to face another opponent from the state of New Jersey in Kean University. The contest is set to begin at noon.