Fayetteville, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan women's soccer team generated more offensive opportunities than Methodist University on Saturday afternoon but came up short in a 2-0 USA South setback at Duggins Soccer Stadium.
NC Wesleyan created the first opportunity of the match when Abby Smith sent an attempt just over the frame in the 12th minute. Methodist responded with pressure of its own before Katrina Cardiff opened the scoring at the 19:01 mark off assists from Emily Hoyt and Summer Ward.
The Battling Bishops continued searching for an answer as the opening half progressed. Samantha Fore recorded an attempt in the 29th minute before Jordan Fernandez put a shot on goal moments later, forcing a save from Methodist goalkeeper Kiera Ferguson. Maison Berrios came close to finding the equalizer in the 39th minute when her shot struck the crossbar.
Methodist added its second goal at the 41:11 mark when Ward found the back of the net off an assist from Ava Baldwin, sending NC Wesleyan into halftime trailing 2-0.
The Bishops continued to apply pressure after the break. Fore put two second-half attempts on goal, including chances in the 54th and 81st minutes, while NC Wesleyan continued looking for a breakthrough throughout the period.
NC Wesleyan kept pushing through the closing minutes, with Berrios and Fore adding late opportunities. Grace Walls also made a pair of second-half saves as the Bishops held Methodist scoreless after halftime.
Fore led the NC Wesleyan attack with six shots, including two on goal, while Fernandez also placed an attempt on frame. Walls played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with three saves.
The Bishops finished with 10 shots compared to Methodist's six, including six second-half attempts, as NC Wesleyan continued to create opportunities through the final whistle.
