BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — University of South Carolina Beaufort defeated Flagler College, 1-0, on Wednesday afternoon following a goal midway through the second half by Kasey Thompson, her first of the season, as the Sand Sharks complete the programs first win over Flagler following Wednesday's game.
"That was an important win for us, especially in October," stated head coach Gary Boughton following the win.
USCB improves to 6-5-1 on the season and 2-3-1 in conference play following the victory, while Flagler drops to 2-5-4 overall and 2-2-2 in conference play.
The Sand Sharks were led by Thompson, who scored on her only shot of the game. The goal was assisted by Kensington Daigle and Kaylie Samluk. It was Samluk's first assist of the season and Daigle's second.
Graysen Asher started in goal and made all eight saves she faced in the win, while Addie Rollison added one save. The two combined for the Sand Sharks' fourth shutout of the season and their second consecutive shutout.
In a defensive battle, the two teams battled through a scoreless first half. Neither team was able to find the back of the net. Asher made her first save of the game at the 3:34 mark. She made two more saves, including a big diving save around the 29-minute mark. After the ball was sent to the top of the box, Asher's diving stop on a Flagler shot kept the game tied at 0-0.
Off a corner kick, the Sand Sharks recorded their first shot on goal, but the Saints goalkeeper made the save to keep the score tied. Overall, the Sand Sharks were outshot 5-1 in the opening half as the two teams went into halftime tied at 0-0.
"Have to credit the players who came into the game in the second half. They changed the game from the kickoff for the better for us and we got the goal we needed," said Boughton.
In the second half, the Sand Sharks increased the pressure, recording five shots, including three on goal. USCB recorded its first shot of the half about eight minutes in before eventually forcing Flagler's goalkeeper into a save.
The game's lone goal came at the 67:05 mark, just 90 seconds after Asher made a save at 65:35 to keep the game scoreless. USCB quickly turned defense into offense, maintaining possession and switching the attack to the other end. Daigle gathered possession near the corner before sending the ball into the middle of the box, where Samluk helped set up Thompson for the game-winning goal and a 1-0 lead.
Flagler recorded one more shot on goal, but Rollison made the save as USCB sealed the 1-0 victory.
The Sand Sharks return home Saturday afternoon when they host Lander at Finland Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. for USCB's pink out game.
Stay tuned to uscbathletics.com and follow Sand Shark Athletics on social media for the latest news, updates, and information.
