AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA — The University of South Carolina Beaufort women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against University of South Carolina Aiken on Saturday evening, with Erin Barrett finding the equalizer in the 85th minute to help the Sand Sharks earn a road result in conference play.
USCB moves to 6-6-2 overall on the season and 2-4-2 in conference, while the Pacers move to 4-9-2 overall and 2-5-1 in conference action.
The Sand Sharks came out attacking early recording the first shot of the match within the opening two minutes. Nicole Gray followed with two shots, but a team block and two saves from the USC Aiken goalkeeper kept the contest scoreless.
USCB continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, earning three corner kicks and creating scoring opportunities. The Sand Sharks in the opening 45 minutes, outshot the Pacers 15-4 and held a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Despite leading in shots through the first half, USCB found itself trailing at the break after USC Aiken converted a penalty kick following a foul inside the box late in the half.
The Sand Sharks looked to respond early in the second half, generating several shots that were turned away by the Pacer goalkeeper. USCB continued its push in the 64th minute with back-to-back corner kicks, but the Aiken defense held firm to keep its 1-0 lead.
With time winding down, the Sand Sharks finally broke through in the 85th minute. After a foul inside the box awarded USCB a penalty kick opportunity, Barrett stepped up and found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Barrett's team-leading fifth of the season.
Both teams generated a shot in the closing minutes, but goalkeeper Graysen Asher came up with a late save to keep the Pacers from reclaiming the lead and secure the 1-1 draw for the Sand Sharks. Asher finished the evening with four saves.
USCB finished with a 25-9 advantage in total shots and an 11-5 edge in shots on goal.
The Sand Sharks return home to Finland Field for three consecutive home games this upcoming week. USCB begins the homestand Monday afternoon against Lander at 3 p.m. in its final conference match of the season.
Stay tuned to uscbathletics.com and follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media for the latest news, updates, and information.
