Rock Hill, S.C. – For the second straight contest,
Anna Kate Highsmith netted a late game-winning goal as Winthrop downed USC Upstate 2-0, Saturday evening in Big South Conference women's soccer action.
Winthrop (4-2-2, 2-0-1 Big South) 2, USC Upstate (3-4-1, 1-1-0 Big South) 0
Sept. 25, 2021 | Eagle Field
Winthrop Starters: Giarrizzi (GK), Hocking, Mosquera, Perez, Gengler, Uptegrove, Meisten, Greene, Highsmith, Fudala, Pruitt
USC Upstate Starters: Brendle (GK), Ulloa, Cranmer, Mendinhas, Meyer, Vangsnes, Cunningham, McKnight, Gibson, Finn, Marshall
Scoring Summary
84' – WINTHROP – Highsmith (Gengler)
86' – WINTHROP – Highsmith (unassisted)
Game Recap
- Winthrop was able to get forward a lot in the first 45 minutes and generate a number of scoring chances but the game was scoreless at the break
- Anna Kate Highsmith had a good chance in the 27th minute as she struck a cross first time from about 10 yards out that went straight to the keeper for the save
- In the 31st minute, Alex Perez dribbled into open space down the right side and into the box as she laced a left-footed shot that just whizzed by the left post
- Perez had another shot go just wide of the post in the 54th minute which was the first scoring threat of the second half for either team
- Emma Smith had a good chance for the Eagles in the 68th minute when she received a pass in the box and fired a low shot to the left corner that rolled wide of the post
- In the 71st minute Erika Brown received a drop pass and struck a shot with a lot of pace on frame as Cora Brendle was able to tip it over the bar for a corner
- In the 79th minute Upstate had a one-on-one as Ashley Finn dribbled toward the goal but Izzy Giarrizzi got down quick to make the save and hold on to it
- Brown had another chance in the 82nd minute as she found herself with an open look from a tough angle and fired a low shot but Brendle stood her ground and the Spartans cleared the rebound
- Winthrop's pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute as the Eagles earned a corner
- Jessica Gengler served the free kick to the back post and Highsmith redirected it into the net, which proved to be the game-winner
- Highsmith's hustle led to an insurance goal as she applied pressure to an Upstate defender with the ball around the top of the box and stole the ball as she dribbled and fired a shot into the left side of the net for a two goal advantage
Notables
- Winthrop out shot Upstate 21-9 and had a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks
- Giarrizzi made three saves for her third shutout of the season
- Winthrop recorded its third shutout in the last four games as it remained unbeaten in conference play
- It is the first time the Eagles have had that kind of stretch since the 2013 team recorded three straight shutouts
- This was the second straight contest the Eagles scored two goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation
- This was the 200th games Spencer Smith has coached at the helm of the women's soccer program
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will be on the road for their next two contests beginning Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. against High Point. Then on Sunday, Oct. 3 at noon the Eagles will be at Hampton.
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