CLINTON, S.C. – Junior striker Julija Poplašen delivered the match-winning penalty kick for the Presbyterian College women's soccer team on Saturday afternoon, scoring with 20 minutes on the clock to beat Longwood 1-0 at Martin Stadium.
A major uplifter for the Blue Hose and their 2026 postseason chances, Poplašen became the fourth player on head coach
Matt Smith's lineup with at least two goals this year.
It was the first shutout in Big South play for the Presbyterian defense and freshman keeper
Alexa Garcia, saving two shots by the Lancers with 10 minutes to go after taking the lead.
PC will try for their second straight league victory in the final match of the season at Martin Stadium, entertaining High Point next Wednesday at 7:00. ESPN+ will have live coverage of the event.
FINAL SCORE: Presbyterian, 1 – Longwood, 0
RECORDS: Presbyterian (4-9-1, 1-5)…Longwood (6-8-2, 3-4)
LOCATION: Martin Stadium (Clinton, S.C.)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The PK by Poplašen (officially taking place at the 69:30 stamp) was all that the Blue Hose needed to come away with the W, taking down an opponent who has won three times in conference action via shutout.
- Coach Smith seemingly has the Lancers' number, as his club also earned a clean sheet against Longwood in the 2024 Big South Quarterfinals that was ultimately won with a penalty kick shootout.
- Saturday was Presby's first shutout overall since a nil-nil draw at North Dakota State back in August, now with the potential for a season-ending flurry as two matches lay ahead.
- Longwood would not record any shots after Garcia poked two away in the 81
st minute, with the quartet of Lyla Chass,
Cassidy Oldham,
Peyton Michael, and
Sydney Stoner all playing from start to finish on the back line.
- Poplašen logged 32 minutes off the PC bench, with the PK being her only official shot attempt of the contest.
Anna Hussey,
Emma Brown, and
Emma Gesser each added a shot as part of Presby's second unit.
- The Scotsmen have secured 11 shutouts from three different goalies since Smith took over in the 2024 season. This was the second time in '26 that PC did not allow any goals at home (along with a win over Newberry).
- Chadd has now played the full 90 minutes in 55 games throughout her exquisite career. She has never missed an opportunity to suit up during what is now a 63-match playing streak.
