STAUNTON, Va. In the first round of the 2025 USA South Women's Soccer Tournament, the fifth-seeded Methodist women's soccer team traveled to the fourth-seeded Mary Baldwin University on Saturday afternoon. Despite controlling much of the first half, the Monarchs season came to an end after coming up just short in a 1–0 defeat to the Fighting Squirrels on SMA Worth Field.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Mary Baldwin def. Methodist, 1–0
Records: Methodist 5-5-6, Mary Baldwin 7-9-1 (4-5-0 USA South)
Location: SMA Worth Field; Staunton, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist dictated play through the opening 45 minutes, with five first-half corner kicks highlighting the team's possession advantage in the attacking third.
- With the match still scoreless early in the second half, Mary Baldwin capitalized in the 66th minute. Anna Hill netted the game's only goal after receiving a pass from Caitlyn Brenner and sending a deflected shot over the outstretched Monarch keeper.
- The Monarchs continued to apply pressure late, generating several looks in the closing minutes, but were unable to find the equalizer to force overtime.
NUMBERS
- Methodist outshot Mary Baldwin 10–7, including a 7–3 advantage in shots on goal.
- Graduate student Emy Cloutier led the attack with two shots, including one on target.
- Senior goalkeepers Kaylea Carter and Carolina Simpkins split time in net and each recorded a save.