BLUFFTON, S.C. - To celebrate Senior Day, the USCB women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 victory over Sun Conference rival St. Thomas, as Aurya Downey delivered the game-winning goal off a penalty kick in the 75th minute on Saturday afternoon at Fin Land Field.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Downey - penalty, game-winning goal, two shots

Mariah Ruckdeschel - shutout (second of season), 23 shots faced, 11 saves

Mari Kalvatn - five shots, three shots on goal

Lexi Kaeser - two shots, one shot on goal

Shutout streak of 192 minutes

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first 15 minutes of the match were slow for both teams. Despite the slow start, USCB's Marcela Shartouny had a chance to break open the scoring in the 6th minute. Downey fed a long ball into the box, and Shartouny was able to put a foot on it in front of the box. However, the attempt sailed high for a prime opportunity to score.

After the 18th minute, St. Thomas started to dominate possession, especially for the next eight minutes. During that stretch, the Bobcats struck six shots (four on goal) and collected a pair of corners. USCB's defense stayed strong, as it preserved the shutout. 

The Sand Sharks' final chance to tally a goal in the first half came at the 30th minute when Kalvatn just missed on her header. Downey ripped a left-footed corner, and the ball found Kalvatn. However, the shot was saved by the STU goalkeeper at the back post. 

At the halftime break, St. Thomas held a 13-6 advantage in shots, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal. 

After exchanging shots to open the second half, STU continued to attack the USCB net in the 65th and 68th minutes. Ruckdeschel again proved to be strong between the pipes, as she collected two more saves.

Just seven minutes later, the Sand Sharks finally broke the scoreless tie in the 75th minute. USCB was able to draw a foul inside of the 18-yard box, and Downey was the one that stepped up to take the kick. The rookie midfielder struck the ball into the right side of the net to give USCB the 1-0 advantage. 

For the next 15 minutes, St. Thomas maintained most of the possession. The Bobcats had a couple of chances at goal (three) but none of the attempts were on frame. With USCB's defense staying strong, the Sand Sharks preserved the shutout and upended STU, 1-0.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW

Postgame thoughts and comments from the head coach himself - Jay Harris. USCB will return to action next Saturday, as it travels to Ave Maria. #RisingTide #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/UNzDmllpId

— USCB Soccer (@USCBSoccer) October 17, 2020

TEAM RECORD UPDATES

USCB - 3-1 overall, 3-1 Sun Conference

St. Thomas - 4-3 overall, 3-3 Sun Conference

WHAT'S NEXT?

Due to COVID-19 concerns, USCB's next match against Florida Memorial has been canceled. However, the Sand Sharks' next contest will be on the road, as they travel to Ave Maria on Oct. 24. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. in Ave Maria, Fla.