ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop women's soccer team kicks off its 2018 campaign Sunday afternoon as the Eagles host the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Eagle Field

GAME DETAILS
Winthrop (0-0) vs. Coastal Carolina (0-0)
Sunday, August 19 – 1:00 p.m. – Eagle Field (Rock Hill, SC)
Live Stats – Live Video (ESPN+)

SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Winthrop returns a strong core at every position this season.  At the back, in goal, the Eagles will have a battle on their hands for playing time.  Redshirt junior and captain Kelly Horan along with sophomore Ashlynn Harris played every minute in goal last season and are expected to be the top contenders this year.  They will be challenged by rising sophomore Cammie Kaminski and freshman Amanda Esposito.

The defensive line was where Winthrop was hit hardest with last year's graduating class.  Junior Dylan Patterson and sophomore Arryana Daniels will be looked upon to anchor the back line.  Senior JoJo Taylor will see time as both a defender and defensive midfielder.  Sophomore transfer Morrison Trnavsky will provide additional support and the Eagles work in a few freshmen.

The midfield for the Eagles will look familiar as most are returners.  Junior Gabi Hull will work in the midfield as well as up top.  Senior captain Brianna Palmer will patrol the wing for Winthrop and sophomores Izzy Barton and Lauryn Jennings will add some depth.

Winthrop's top scorer from last year, Allie Thomas will mix some attacking work with some midfield duties.  Thomas finished with seven goals last season.  Natalie Royaards was second on the team last year with four goals and will look to bring a speedy attacking force up top.  Keeley Leising, who missed half the season due to injury, will look to get back in stride on the attack as well.

SCOUTING COASTAL CAROLINA
The Chanticleers open their season Friday night on the road at Davidson before heading to Eagle Field Sunday.  Coastal finished last season with an 11-9-1 overall record and fell to South Alabama in the Sun Belt title game. 
Coastal lost its top scorer from a year ago but two of its next three top scorers were freshmen in 2017.  The Chanticleers also return their freshman goalie from last season who played all but 50 minutes over the 21-game season.

SERIES HISTORY
The Eagles and Chanticleers have a long history from Coastal's time in the Big South.  Coastal holds a 9-7-2 overall record over Winthrop, having won the last three meetings.  The Eagles' last victory came on the road in October of 2013.

WHAT'S UP NEXT
Winthrop will remain at home for its next contest as the Eagles welcome the South Carolina State Bulldogs to Eagle Field on Friday, August 24 for a 7 p.m. contest.

Hear from Coach Spencer Smith and the Eagle captains on the upcoming season.