GREENVILLE, S.C. – In a matchup that has taken place every year since 2008 and has never ended with a draw, Thursday night's non-conference clash between the Presbyterian College women's soccer team and Furman looked as if that streak may come to an end until the Paladins struck in the 78
th minute to prevail 1-0.
A true defensive joust between two of the best goalies in their respective leagues (PC's
Alexa Garcia vs Furman's Reese DeJong), the shots were scarce on both sides as Presby almost earned a second straight shutout.
Head coach
Matt Smith's squad played North Dakota State to a scoreless tie just four days ago in the Upper Midwest, but the potential for another nil-nil ending was erased by the Dins' late game-winner.
Another brief visit is next on the Blue Hose calendar to wrap up their three-week road swing, heading for Wofford on Sunday at 2:00. ESPN+ will stream that in-state contest.
FINAL SCORE: Furman, 1 – Presbyterian, 0
RECORDS: Presbyterian (2-2-1)…Furman (4-2)
LOCATION: Stone Stadium (Greenville, S.C.)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It took 34 minutes to register the first shot-on-goal for either team (coming from senior
Lucy Cartin), as the Palmetto rivals combined for just two on-target attempts in the first half.
- Presbyterian's attack was much more aggressive after the break in an effort to quell the stalemate, although Furman ultimately banged the door down with 13 minutes remaining.
- Sophomore
Maddi Merryweather came close to her first goal of the season at 81:21, although the would-be tying shot was sent away.
-
Sydney Stoner sent another shot at DeJong with less than 60 seconds on the board, but Furman again got a hand on it to signify their third consecutive shutout.
- After putting together a season-best seven saves at North Dakota State (which awarded her the Big South Freshman of the Week accolade), Garcia withstood 11 corner kicks and saved three shots in total.
- Furman's lone goal was the first score that PC allowed in 175 minutes of action. Stoner,
Cassidy Oldham, and
Lyla Chadd competed for the full 90 as part of the Scotsmen's back line of defense.
