RADFORD, VA – The Winthrop women's soccer team fell 5-2 Saturday evening to the Radford Highlanders in both squad's conference opener.

Winthrop falls to 3-4-1 on the season and 0-1 in the Big South while Radford improved to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED

A frenzied opening 15 minutes saw three balls find the back of the net.  Radford went ahead 2-0 in the first eight minutes of the contest.  Winthrop pulled on goal back in the 14th minute off the head of Clara Conboy.  Izzy Barton served a free kick into the box that Conboy was able to get her head to and put it past the Radford goalkeeper.

The Highlanders regained a two-goal cushion in the 21st minute.  Winthrop looked to gain some momentum going into the break as Keeley Leising netted her first goal of the season in the 35th minute.  Courtney McLeod earned the assist as she sent a long throw into the box and Leising was able to get on the end of it and put it away.

Winthrop was only able to get off four shots in the second half with one going on frame.  Radford again took a two-goal lead in the 65th minute and added another in the 89th for the 5-2 victory.

STATS OF NOTE

Giana Giroux saw only 47 minutes of playing time but took four shots for the Eagles.  Gabi Hull was credited with two shots with one going on goal.  Goalie Kelly Horan finished with four saves on the night.  

NEXT TIME OUT

Winthrop will return to action on Wednesday when the Eagles host the Longwood Lancers for a 6 p.m. Big South contest at Eagle Field.