BLUFFTON, S.C. - Four Sand Sharks saw their names on the scoresheet at the conclusion of the game on Monday, as the USCB women's soccer team handed Webber International a 4-1 defeat in the season opener on Sept. 21 at Fin Land Field.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

USCB outshot the Warriors, 21-8, and also put more shots on frame (12-4).

Madeline Matusik, Marcela Shartouny, Lexi Kaeser and Allison Schaffer tallied goals

Sydnee Metzold, Madison Foshee and Shourtouny all recorded assists 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first five minutes of the contest were slow, but USCB was able to find momentum in the ninth minute, which resulted in the team's first goal of the season. Metzold fed a long ball from the right wing to Matusik, and after a touch, Matusik chipped the ball over the pressing WIU goalkeeper, which gave USCB the 1-0 lead.

Shourtouny started to dominate the pace of the game for the next seven minutes, as she took three shots in that span. In fact, in the 16th minute the freshman's third shot during that stretch found the back of the net and pushed the lead to 2-0.

Following several WIU substitutions and scoring opportunities for USCB, the Sand Sharks did just that in the 28th minute when 2019 All-Sun Conference selection Kaeser tallied her first goal of the young season. The sophomore's goal advanced the lead to three.

Just seven minutes later, USCB took advantage of a Warrior defensive miscue, which led the Sand Sharks to a penalty kick opportunity. The senior struck the ball into the bottom left corner to advance the USCB lead to 4-0. 

Following a 15-minute halftime break, the Sand Sharks put pressure on the WIU defense to start the 45-minute second half. In the first 13 minutes, USCB struck for six shots and put three on goal. However, none of the shots found the back of the net. 

With just eight minutes remaining in the contest, Webber International was able to sneak in a goal off a free kick. Sarah Thigpen quickly took the free kick from outside of the 18-yard box. USCB goalkeeper Alana Dame got a hand to the shot, but the ball trickled into the net to make it a 4-1 contest.

TEAM RECORD UPDATES

USCB - 1-0 overall, 1-0 Sun Conference

Webber International - 1-1 overall, 0-1 Sun Conference

WHAT'S NEXT?

USCB will hit the road for the first time in 2020, as it will travel to top-5 Southeastern on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff between the Sand Sharks and Fire is slated for 5 p.m. in Lakeland, Fla.