CLEVELAND, Ga. - The USCB women's soccer team scored first and pushed No. 25 Truett McConnell to the brink on Saturday at the TMU Soccer Complex, as the Sand Sharks and Bears tied, 1-1, in the non-conference bout.
The tie against the nationally-ranked opponent marked the first time USCB has tied or defeated a nationally-ranked team.
Inside The Box Score
Madeline Matusik - one goal, two shots on goal, four shots
Lauren Wood - one assist
Keaton Neal - one shot on goal, three shots on goal
Madison Foshee - one shot on goal, two shots
Mari Kalvatn - one shot on goal, one shot
Alana Dame - 110 minutes, two saves, one goal allowed
Coaches' Corner
"This was a tremendous performance against a ranked opponent. I am proud of our desire, intensity and execution. We came here with a game plan and had them on their back foot for the majority of the game. Although a tie is disappointing, we continue to improve, and I am excited for our penultimate game of the season."
- Head Coach Jay Harris -
How It Happened
The Sand Shark offense handled most of the possession in the first 45 session, as it took eight shots with two being on frame.
USCB's offense attacked the Bear net from the opening kick, as Matusik and Foshee ripped three shots in the first 10 minutes of the contest.
The Bears had the best chance to open the scoring in the 15th minute, as Ashleigh Smitherman connected with a shot on goal. However, Dame made the save.
The Sand Sharks found a groove in the 35th minute when it totaled three shots in a one-minute span. Matusik had her shot blocked, while Neal and Webb each posted shots that went just wide of the net.
With 22 seconds left in the first half, Matusik had another chance at goal, but TMU's goalkeeper - Addy Galason - made her second save of the game.
Seven minutes passed in the second half, and USCB broke the scoreless tie and took the 1-0 lead. Wood made a long pass up the field, and Matusik found the ball and took the shot. With her shot, it rippled the back of the net and gave USCB the one-goal lead.
Neither team had a solid chance at goal until the 77th minute. Smitherman had her shot blocked, which led to a Bear corner kick. However, nothing came of either chance.
With just six minutes left in regulation, the nationally-ranked team tied the game at 1-all.
With just three seconds left in the contest, Neal connected with a shot on goal, as she tried to break the tie, but TMU made the save to force overtime.
The only opportunity for either team to break the tie in the two, 10-minute overtime sessions was in the 95th minute. Kalvatn posted her lone shot of the contest, but it was saved.
With neither team having another solid chance, the two teams settled for a 1-1 tie. The tie was also USCB's first tie fo the 2020-21 season.
Team Record Updates
USCB - 10-7-1 overall
No. 25 Truett McConnell - 12-2-2 overall
What's Next?
The Sand Sharks will play their final scrimmage of 2020-21 on Wednesday, March 24, as it hosts Spartanburg Methodist at Fin Land Field. Kickoff is set for noon.
