HARRISONBURG, Va. It took 85 minutes for the Methodist women's soccer team to find the back of the net on Sunday, as the Monarchs escaped with a 1–0 victory over Eastern Mennonite University. Sophomore defender
Daphne Paleocrassas emerged as the unlikely hero of the match, scoring the game–winner for the first goal of her collegiate career.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Eastern Mennonite, 1-0
Records: Methodist 1-0, Eastern Mennonite 0-2
Location: EMU Turf Field; Harrisonburg, Va.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- A rather calm first half saw a combined six shots from both teams, with Methodist attempting all but one. The Monarchs put three shots on goal, including two within the final 10 minutes of the period, but all were saved by EMU goalkeeper Aja Laun.
- The Royals came out firing to start the second half, taking a shot just eight seconds into the period that was off target. In the 61st minute, Carolina Simpkins was right where she needed to be to save the first and only shot on goal by Eastern Mennonite.
- Just when it looked as if neither team might score in the second half, the Monarchs were awarded a free kick from well beyond the penalty box. With just over five minutes left in the period, Allye Carter delivered a strike that sent the ball flying across the front of the cage, and Paleocrassas rose above the defense to head the ball, directing it just past the right side of the goalkeeper for a score.
NUMBERS
- Allye Carter records her fourth assist as a Monarch, starting the new campaign strong after logging three "helpers" in 2023.
- Methodist now holds five consecutive wins over the Royals, dating back to 2011.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs will travel to Salisbury, Md. next weekend to compete in two games at the Salisbury University Classic. Methodist will take on the host Seagulls on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
