La J’ai Reed/ The Johnsonian
The opening weekend for Winthrop’s soccer programs was full of intensity.
Fancy footwork and a number of headers could be seen Saturday, Aug. 31 as Winthrop women’s soccer faced off against Wofford Terriers at Eagle Field.
The Eagles got off to a quick start as their first two shots came within three minutes of gameplay. Winthrop would take a few more shots before the opening goal was scored by Clara Conboy, assisted by Keely Leising, in the eleventh minute.
“Leading up to the goal, we already had five shots on frame in the first ten minutes of play, so I just wanted to match my energy to the team’s,” Conboy said. “After the goal, I feel like our team was hungry for more and wanting to keep pressing them offensively.”
Following the Eagles opening score, the Terriers would hit the next three goals of the game, at the 28th, 45th, and 67th minutes, respectively.
“After Wofford scored to tie the match, our intensity dropped, and we didn’t respond with our full potential,” Conboy said.
Despite Wofford’s consecutive scoring, the Eagles would find spurts of energy late in the game. Natalie Royaards would score for the Eagles, assisted by Katie Colwick and Leising, during the 78th minute. Royaards goal brought the Eagles within one point of the Terriers, and gave Winthrop an apparent boost of energy.
“After the goal we started playing more like the way we had started the game, and we had numerous chances on goal,” Royaards said. “Our attitude seemed to switch from being frustrated and upset about a 3-1 deficit to hope and drive for a comeback.”
The Eagles made a hard drive towards their goal with one minute left, but were stopped short of a goal. Winthrop would make another push toward the goal within 10 seconds, but the shot attempt was caught by the Wofford goalie.
While the evening was filled with thrillers, the Eagles fell short with a final score of 3-2.
The Eagles are now looking forward to the rest of their season, building upon their strengths and improving upon their weaknesses.
“We are a strong team with talented individuals across the board, but our effort has to match our talent,” Royaards said. “The effort, unity, and work rate we show in the beginning minutes of games is what we need to build off of and strive for each time we go out for the full 90 minutes.”
This past Wednesday, Sept. 4, the Lady Eagles took on College of Charleston at the Eagle Field. The Eagles scored the first goal of the game and went into the half tied at 1-1. But the Cougars put away three more goals in the second half to take the game, ending in a score of 1-4.
With the loss, Winthrop women’s soccer falls to the record of 0-3 for the beginning of the season. But the Eagles are ready to bounce back and will play South Carolina State away on Sept. 12.
