BLUFFTON, S.C. - Despite numerous scoring chances, the USCB women's soccer team fell to RV (receiving votes) Truett McConnell, 1-0, to open the 2021 season on Saturday at Fin Land Field.
Inside The Box Score
Kristin Beltestad - three shots, two shots on goal
Madison Foshee and Synne Bye-Andersen - two shots, one shot on goal each
Emily Worrell - 90 minutes, five saves, one goal allowed
How It Happened
The contest started back-and-forth, as both teams exchanged chances to ripple the net. TMU had a pair of chances in the first six minutes of the contest, but freshman goalkeeper Worrell made a pair of saves.
USCB started to gain momentum from the eighth to 12th minute, as they began attacking the Bear's net. Foshee, Mari Kalvatn and Beltestad all ripped shots, with two of the attempts going on frame. Unfortunately, both were saved.
The two teams started to sub in several players for the next 17 minutes, as the Sand Sharks were gifted a great opportunity - a TMU red card. The Bear goalkeeper was shown a red card in the 30th minute, which forced the Bears to play with 10 players.
The best chance to open the scoring for USCB came in the 30th minute when Marcela Shartouny connected with the post, but the ball trickled out of harm's way.
With just 45 seconds remaining in the first half, a Sand Shark was also shown a red card, which leveled the field to 10-on-10.
At the scoreless break, USCB had the narrow advantage in shots, 6-5, as well as shots on goal, 3-2.
Similar to the first half, Truett McConnell had a pair of chances in the first seven minutes of the session to score, but rookie goalkeeper Worrell added on to her save total.
After making a slew of substitutions, TMU opened the scoring off a USCB error in the 69th minute. Hannah Logue of TMU fed a cross from the right side of the field, and with the ball threatening to enter the net, Henriette Harr-Haga attempted the clear the ball. Unfortunately, the clearance hit USCB's goalkeeper in the back and rippled the twine to give the Bears the 1-0 lead.
USCB again had multiple chances to find the net, despite being down one goal. Damaris Gaines connected with a shot in the 79th minute that went wide, and also in the 83rd and 84th minutes, USCB posted three shots that all had chances to level the game. The biggest opportunity came off a corner kick. Kalvatn headed the ball towards the goal, but it just nicked the crossbar.
Truett McConnell locked down the back line and saw the final seconds dwindle to seal the 1-0 victory.
Team Record Updates
USCB - 0-1 overall
RV Truett McConnell - 1-0 overall
What's Next?
The Sand Sharks will continue their four-game homestand, as they will next host NCAA and DII member Francis Marion on Aug. 25 at home. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. at Fin Land Field.
