The Winthrop women’s soccer team lost its last home game of the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 20. The Eagles fell to the UNC Asheville Bulldogs, and the final score was 4-1.
“The score was a reflection of opportunities,” said Winthrop associate head coach Johnathan Brabson. “I felt we had as many opportunities as UNC Asheville, but the difference was they made plays when needed on both sides of the ball.”
The Big South Conference is only accepting six teams for this year’s tournament. With 13 total conference points on the season (four wins worth three points each and one tie worth one point), Winthrop finishes eighth in the conference and will not play in the postseason.
UNC Asheville scored within the first 15 minutes of the game, with Taylor Gardner scoring the goal. Previously, Winthrop goalkeeper Izzy Giarrizzi had blocked a shot taken by Asheville’s Lindie Clark.
Winthrop senior Bella Hovis attempted to score at the 23–minute mark but was blocked by UNC Asheville goalkeeper Courtney O’Malley. Winthrop senior Alexandra Perez attempted to score at the 25–minute mark but was once again blocked.
UNC Asheville scored again at 35 minutes into the game. The goal was scored by Madison Carter.
Winthrop attempted to score twice more during the last five minutes of the first period, but one shot was out right, and the other was saved, yet again, by the UNC Asheville goalie.
“I think we played really strong together but never really were able to finish any of our chances,” said Winthrop freshman Abbie McCrea.
Fifty-three minutes into the game, Asheville attempted to score, but goalie Izzy Giarrizzi saved it. Asheville tried again and scored their third goal of the night. The goal was scored by Ava Nkadi with an assist from Madison Carter.
At the 80th minute, Winthrop managed to score their first goal of the game. The goal was scored by Angelica Castro, with an assist by Katy Feskorn and Anna Kate Highsmith.
Eighty-two minutes in, Winthrop player Katy Feskorn attempted to score, but her top shot was blocked by goalie Courtney O’Malley.
UNC Asheville scored its fourth goal with less than five minutes left. Kaiya Boyd made the goal with an assist from Grace Sloan.
“It wasn’t the result that we wanted, but I am extremely proud of our team for never giving up,” said Winthrop’s Lexi Sheely.
While other results from around the conference prevented Winthrop from earning a spot in the conference tournament, the team’s improvement from last season indicates that things are heading in the right direction.
