FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  In their first match following two close losses to two tough opponents, the Methodist women's soccer Monarchs returned to their winning ways, taking down the Salem Spirits on Saturday. Methodist captured an early three-goal lead and coasted to its first USA South victory of the season.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Salem, 3-0
Records: Methodist 5-4-0 (1-1-0 USA South), Salem 2-4-2 (0-2-0)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, N.C.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Monarchs swiftly gained control of the ball following Salem's opening kick. Just over a minute into the match, Methodist's Yaneli Sanchez took a shot that was saved by the Salem goalkeeper. As the ball ricocheting off the keeper's hands, Corrine Shovlain stepped into the box and sent the ball sailing into the back of the net for the first score of the contest.
• Just past the 5' mark, Methodist attacked again as Shovlain delivered a pass to Sanchez, who collected the ball and launched it past the goalie for another Monarch score.
• Dominating the possession, Methodist continued to put pressure on the Spirits. Salem's keeper made two saves before the Monarchs cashed in a third goal in the 15th minute – another score by Sanchez, who received help from both Cameron Acevedo and Maddie Hernandez.
• Methodist's defense was quick to swarm any attack, holding the Spirits to just eight shots throughout the match. Goalkeeper Kaylea Carter faced three shots on goal, saving all three.

NUMBERS

• Salem's 19 saves are the most saves by a Methodist opponent this season.
• Freshman Yaneli Sanchez's two-goal performance is her second multi-goal outing of the season. She leads the team with nine scores, averaging a goal per game.

UP NEXT
The Monarchs play another home match on Tuesday, hosting the William Peace Pacers at 7 p.m.