Charlotte, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan women's soccer team used a second-half goal from Samantha Fore and a strong defensive effort to earn a 1-0 road victory over Johnson & Wales University Charlotte on Tuesday evening at OrthoCarolina Sports.
The Battling Bishops created several opportunities throughout a scoreless opening half. Maison Berrios recorded the first NC Wesleyan attempt in the 10th minute before Jordan Fernandez put a shot on goal moments later, forcing a save from Johnson & Wales goalkeeper Zoe Balmer.
Goalkeeper Grace Walls helped keep the match level on the other end, making two first-half saves as the teams entered halftime tied 0-0. Abby Smith also put an attempt on frame in the 37th minute as NC Wesleyan continued searching for the breakthrough.
The Bishops increased their pressure after halftime. Kennedy Tabler put a shot on goal in the 61st minute before NC Wesleyan finally broke through at the 65:52 mark when Fore found the back of the net to give the Bishops a 1-0 advantage.
NC Wesleyan's defense protected the lead throughout the remainder of the match. Walls continued to turn away the Johnson & Wales attack, while the Bishops held firm through the closing minutes to preserve the shutout victory.
Fore scored the game's lone goal, while Fernandez, Tabler and Smith also placed shots on frame for the Bishops. Walls played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with four saves to record the clean sheet.
NC Wesleyan finished with five shots, including four on goal, while limiting Johnson & Wales to five total attempts. The Bishops also earned two corner kicks as they secured the 1-0 road victory.
