Cullowhee, N.C. – Winthrop women's soccer got off to a hot start but ultimately fell to Western Carolina in the season opener on Thursday night, 4-2.
Western Carolina (1-0, 0-0 SoCon) 4, Winthrop (0-1, 0-0 Big South) 2
Scoring Summary
16' – WINTHROP – Sheets (Bowers)
28' – WINTHROP – Avila-Gutierrez (Balliet)
30' – WESTERN CAROLINA – Smith (unassisted)
45' – WESTERN CAROLINA – Vibberts (penalty)
77' – WESTERN CAROLINA – Vatrano (unassisted)
84' – WESTERN CAROLINA – Vatrano (unassisted)
Game Recap
- Lindsay Sheets scored for Winthrop in the 16th minute, assisted by Lila Bowers, to give the Eagles the early 1-0 lead
- Winthrop extended its advantage to 2-0 in the 28th minute with a header goal from Monssi Avila-Gutierrez, assisted by Sophia Balliet
- Western Carolina responded with a goal in the 30th minute, narrowing the margin to 2-1
- Samantha Vibberts equalized for Western Carolina with a penalty kick just before the halftime whistle
- The score was tied 2-2 at the break as the Eagles allowed two unanswered goals
- In the second half, Winthrop applied early pressure with Lila Bowers taking a shot in the 46th minute, but it was off target
- Winthrop created multiple opportunities with a series of corner kicks, but Western Carolina goalie Amara Yetka saved key attempts from Amalie Steen and Lindsay Sheets
- Gabriela Vatrano scored two late goals to secure the win for Western Carolina
Notables
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will return home to take on UT-Chattanooga in their home opener on Sunday. The game is slated for 5 p.m. est. and will air on ESPN+.
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