Box Score Box Score
HIGH POINT, NC – The Winthrop women's soccer season came to an end on Thursday morning after falling 2-1 to VMI at Vert Soccer Stadium on day one of the Big South Conference Women's Soccer Tournament.
The Eagles finish the season with an 8-10-2 overall record and 3-5-2 in the Big South, while the Keydets improved to 10-9-1 overall and 6-3-1 in the conference.
Winthrop would take a quick 1-0 lead in the 5th minute by Kathleen Pollard on a corner kick from Erin Foote. It was the second goal of the season for Pollard. The corner kick by Foote was placed over several VMI defenders and right to Pollard, who headed it over the head of goalie Heidi Beemer and into the net.
The Keydets responded just a few minutes later in the 11th minute when a header by Gabrielle McCarron sneaked by Dimi Poulos. The play was started on a free kick from Megan Strand, who was awarded the kick aftere being fouled at the in-bound line just outside the 18-yard box.
VMI would take a 2-1 lead in the 35th minute when Christina Gontarski scored on a pass from Olivia Moore. Moore gained possession of the ball just inside the 18-yard box, and her pass to Gontarski was initially blocked by an Eagle defender. The ball continued to Gontarski who placed her shot past Poulos for the goal.
The Keydets held an 11-7 advantage in total shots and 8-2 in shots-on-goal. VMI also led 7-5 in corner kicks.
Defense was the name of the game in the second half as both teams were held scoreless.
The Keydets finished the game with a 16-15 lead in shots and 12-5 in attempts-on-net. Winthrop held the advantage in corner kicks at 11-8.
Pollard led the team in shots with four, while Poulos finished with a total of nine saves. Strand led VMI with five shots and Beemer snagged four saves.
“I know we gave it a good effort today,” said head coach Melissa Heinz. “Congratulations to VMI on the victory. I am proud of the effort of our players. I am also disappointed to get the loss and for our seniors. It does not show what they have done for us over their four years here at Winthrop.”
