The cruelty of the beautiful game revealed itself to the USCB women's soccer team on Saturday, as the Sand Sharks dominated every facet of their home match against Faulkner (Ala.) but suffered a 2-0 defeat.
USCB outshot the Eagles 22-4 and had 11 shots on goal to Faulkner's three, but Kayla Wilson converted two breakaways late in the match and the Sand Sharks were unable to cash in any of their numerous opportunities.
"Extremely disappointed in the outcome today," USCB coach Ed Heberling said. "We dominated the game and the ball in their half all afternoon but couldn't capitalize. We need to focus on finishing and taking quality opportunities when available. Our forwards and midfield need to combine and create."
The Sand Sharks controlled the match from the outset, as Faulkner was content to play conservatively and rarely mounted an attack. The Eagles packed in defensively, and USCB had difficulty finding space in its attack.
Perhaps USCB's best chance came in the 74th minute, when freshman Anna Gignilliat ripped a shot that forced Kelbe Davies to make a diving save to her right at the post. Just four minutes later, though, Wilson turned a long ball from Katie Eaton into a one-on-one chance and beat keeper Taylor Superior for the game's first goal.
The Sand Sharks spent the next 15 minutes searching desperately for the equalizer through several close calls, but a careless giveaway in USCB's defensive third set up Wilson's second breakaway goal in the 90th minute to seal it.
The Sand Sharks are back in action at 1 p.m. Monday, hosting Brenau (Ga.). The Golden Tigers (2-0) defeated SCAD Savannah 1-0 on Saturday.
"We have a short turnaround time to prepare for Brenau on Monday," Heberling said. "They will be a much better team, and we will need to take advantage of opportunities."
BOJANGLES' PLAYER OF THE GAME
Anna Gignilliat
Freshman • Forward • Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Gignilliat produced several of the Sand Sharks' most promising scoring chances in her 43 minutes off the bench, including a long run up the right flank in the first half and her ripped shot that required a diving save in the second.
