By OkayGoal
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist University women’s soccer team celebrated Senior Day on Saturday, hosting North Carolina Wesleyan University in a USA South showdown. The Monarchs scored twice in the first half to secure a crucial 2–0 conference victory over the Battling Bishops at Duggins Soccer Stadium.
Before the match, Methodist honored its 10 seniors: Allye Carter, Gizelle Garcia, Brooke Hunter, Emily Hoyt, Alexandria Hyde, Mackenzie Meekins, Sabrina Nassar, Daphne Paleocrassas, Summer Ward, and Rocky Wixson.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. N.C. Wesleyan, 2–0
Records: Methodist 6-6-2 (2-4-2 USA South), N.C. Wesleyan 6-7-3 (3-4-1 USA South)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After some out-of-rhythm play to open the match, Methodist began applying more offensive pressure and broke through in the 19th minute. Graduate student Summer Ward collected a loose ball near midfield before finding senior Emily Hoyt, who delivered a well-placed through ball into the offensive third. Junior Kat Cardiff outran her defender to reach the pass before firing a right-footed shot from 17 yards out past the goalkeeper’s left side and into the back corner of the net.
- Later in the first half, N.C. Wesleyan generated a couple of quality chances to find the equalizer. Freshman goalkeeper Kiera Ferguson stopped one attempt, while another Battling Bishops shot struck the crossbar.
- Ward continued to make an impact in the attacking third, scoring a goal of her own in the 42nd minute. Freshman Ava Baldwin collected the ball near midfield and passed ahead to Ward, who dribbled past her defender and into the box before finishing with a right-footed shot from 16 yards out into the back-left corner. The goal doubled Methodist’s lead to 2–0 heading into halftime.
- Ten minutes into the second half, both teams recorded a shot on goal, but neither could find the back of the net.
- As the half progressed, both defenses tightened, limiting scoring opportunities down the stretch. The Battling Bishops registered three additional shots in the final 10 minutes, but Methodist held firm to preserve the shutout and secure the Senior Day victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Although N.C. Wesleyan held a 10–6 advantage in total shots, Methodist finished with more shots on goal, 5–3.
- The Monarchs also earned five corner kicks while generating pressure in the offensive third.
- Ward led the match with three points, recording one goal and one assist. Cardiff added two points with her goal, while Baldwin recorded her first collegiate point with an assist.
UP NEXT
Methodist concludes the regular season on the road against Salem College on Wednesday, October 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM.