Box Score BOONE, NC – The Winthrop women's soccer team picked up its first win of the 2009 season with a 1-0 victory against the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Friday evening at the ASU Soccer Stadium.
The Lady Eagles improve to 1-3-1 on the season, while the Mountaineers fall to 3-2 overall.
“We worked hard from the very beginning to the end, a full 90 minutes,” said head coach Melissa Heinz. “It is the first time we have played hard for the entire game. Every player played hard. I'm pleased with the win and the work ethic.”
Winthrop struck first to take a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute of play after an own-goal by Appalachian State. Freshman Kathryn Leach got the play started after her kick from 35 yards out from the left side into the defense. The ball was then headed into the net by a Mountaineer defender for the goal.
Appalachian State outshot the Lady Eagles in the first half 9-5, while also holding a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Sophomore goalkeeper Kelsy Weavil snagged three saves in the first stanza, while Mountaineer goalkeeper Caroline Clarke had three saves as well.
The Winthrop defense stood strong in the second half as Appalachian State was held scoreless after taking six shots and five corner kicks. Weavil played a pivotal roll grabbing four saves, to give her a total of seven on the night.
It is the second shutout for Weavil in her career.
“Appalachian State is a good team,” Heinz said. “They fought us hard, but we just played well.”
Senior Jessica Hausfeld led the Lady Eagles on offense with two shots, both of those coming on-goal. Junior Tricia Vensel, sophomore Courtney Durbin and freshmen Lia Gordon, Allie VandeWater and Sydney Ransom all had one shot.
The Mountaineers were led by Paige Morrow with three shots, while Katy Dodd, Sydney Hill, Taylor Dunlap, Meggie Graham, Caroline Lowe and Jennifer MacNeill had two shots apiece. Clarke finished the match with three saves and Emma White had two.
“We are improving on all ends,” added Heinz. “We just have to continue doing that and be more consistent. I am proud of all of my players tonight.”
Winthrop will be back in action on Sunday, Sept. 13 as it travels to Spartanburg, SC to face the Wofford Terriers at 1 p.m.
