By OkayGoal
PINEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist women’s soccer team had a quick turnaround Sunday, returning to action against Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in non-conference play. The contest remained scoreless into the second half before freshman Anna Wiggins scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 78th minute, giving the Monarchs a 1-0 victory over the Wildcats at the OrthoCarolina Sportsplex.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Johnson & Wales, 1–0
Records: Methodist 4–4–0, Johnson & Wales 3–2–2
Location: OrthoCarolina Sportsplex; Pineville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist applied pressure early, recording three shots on goal during the opening 15 minutes.
- Johnson & Wales recorded just one shot on target during the first half, which was stopped by freshman goalkeeper Kiera Ferguson.
- Just before halftime, the Monarchs created two more scoring opportunities, but both attempts were stopped to keep the match scoreless at the break.
- Both teams continued to apply pressure coming out of halftime, but neither side could break through as the score remained 0-0.
- The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute. Near midfield, senior Emily Hoyt sent a through ball forward, allowing graduate student Summer Ward to collect the pass and drive toward the 18-yard box. Ward then sent a cross in front of the net, where Wiggins one-timed the ball with her left foot past the goalkeeper to give Methodist a 1-0 lead.
- The Monarchs’ defense held strong over the final 12 minutes, preventing the Wildcats from finding the equalizer and securing the shutout victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Wiggins’ goal marked the first of her collegiate career.
- Ward’s assist marked her first as a Monarch.
- Ferguson earned her fourth victory of the season while recording her third clean sheet. She finished with a team-high three saves.
- Methodist outshot Johnson & Wales 12-7, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal.
UP NEXT
Methodist is off until next weekend, when the Monarchs returns home to host Greensboro College in USA South action on Saturday, October 3. Opening kick is scheduled for 5 PM.