By OkayGoal
BREVARD, N.C. – The seventh-seeded Methodist University women’s soccer team battled fiercely to open the 2026 USA South Women’s Soccer Conference Tournament, clashing against second-seeded Brevard College in a tight-knit affair before faltering late in the second-half, 1-0 to the Tornados at Ives-Lemel Family Field on Saturday afternoon.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: (2) Brevard def. (7) Methodist, 1-0
Records: (7) Methodist 7-7-2 (3-4-2 USA South), (2) Brevard 12-1-5 (6-0-3 USA South)
Location: Ives-Lemel Family Field; Brevard, N.C.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The contest began with the Monarchs driving early into the attack zone during the opening minutes, with senior Emily Hoyt and sophomore Kat Cardiff sending shots towards the goal. The half would close with Brevard and Methodist launching a ring of scoring attempts between the two squads, being recorded by Hoyt, senior Alexandria Hyde and freshman Ryley Brinkley.
- During the beginning stages of the second stanza, the momentum between the two sides would continue as Sienna Fox and sophomore Brynn Ludka would fire scoring attempts, unable to strike in the process for Brevard and Methodist during the 47th and 49th minutes, respectively.
- Catie Barton and Mikayla Rubin logged two shot attempts each for the Tornados, before Rubin would connect on her second scoring attempt for the lone goal of the match, extending Brevard’s lead to 1-0 heading into the 75th minute of play.
- Both teams attempted to strike once more on each other from four shot attempts by Brevard and two by Methodist in the remaining 15 minutes of the clash. Graduate student Summer Ward, junior Alexa Armour, and freshman Anna Wiggins collected scoring opportunities in the final minutes in regulation, unfortunately the Monarchs would fall just short, 1-0 to the Tornados in the conference tournament.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Overall, Brevard out-shot Methodist within the attack zone 26-10, alongside having the edge in accuracy over the Monarchs 10-2 in shots on goal.
- Senior Emily Hoyt stood out on offense for MU, marking out with two shots, one being on goal.
- Graduate student Summer Ward added on to the Monarchs tally on offense with one shot, which was on goal for the standout forward.
- Freshman Kiera Ferguson was stout on the defensive front for Methodist, collecting nine saves off 26 shots faced, only allowing one goal in the process.