FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist women's soccer hosted Greensboro College on Saturday evening in a hard-fought USA South matchup. After a scoreless first half, the Monarchs and Pride traded goals in the second half before settling for a 1–1 draw at Duggins Soccer Stadium.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist tied Greensboro, 1–1
Records: Methodist 4–4–1 (1–2–1 USA South), Greensboro 5–3–3 (2–1–1 USA South)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Greensboro applied early pressure, recording four shots during the opening eight minutes. Only one found the frame, however, as Methodist freshman goalkeeper Keira Ferguson made the save to keep the match scoreless.
- The Monarchs responded with three shots of their own, including shots on goal from sophomore Ally Quiroz and senior Emily Hoyt, but Greensboro's goalkeeper turned each attempt away.
- After the teams exchanged shots on goal early in the second half, Methodist finally broke through in the 57th minute. Freshman Lillian Pressler gained possession approximately 30 yards from goal and carried the ball into the box. Pressler then used a quick juke to create space from several defenders before firing a right-footed shot into the far side of the net, giving the Monarchs a 1–0 advantage.
- The lead lasted just two minutes, as Greensboro answered in the 59th minute. After gaining possession in the midfield, Abigail Sanzotta played the ball forward to Abby Lush, who slipped behind the Methodist backline. From 12 yards out, Lush fired a shot past a charging Ferguson to level the match at 1–1.
- Both teams continued to search for the go-ahead goal down the stretch, but Ferguson and the Greensboro goalkeeper each came up with key saves to keep the score even.
- With time winding down, Hoyt had one final opportunity for the Monarchs in front of the net, but her shot sailed just wide of the goal as the teams settled for the draw.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Pressler's goal marked the first of her collegiate career.
- Both teams recorded eight shots, with Methodist holding a 5–4 advantage in shots on goal.
- Hoyt, graduate student Summer Ward, and freshman Anna Wiggins each recorded two shots to lead the Monarchs.
- Ferguson finished with three saves while allowing one goal.
UP NEXT
Methodist hits the road on Tuesday, October 6, traveling to Pfeiffer University for a 6 PM kick.
