Converse Soccer Takes Season Opener
Spartanburg, SC — The Converse College soccer team started the 2006 season with a 2-1 win over Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC). A pair of juniors led the way for the All-Stars as Sam Chapman and Ashley Carry both notched a goal in the match. Sydney Otero scored the lone goal for the visitors.
The first half saw a dominating performance by the home side as they out shot SMC 13-1. However, Pioneer goalkeeper, Michelle Wilson was up for the challenge recording 13 saves in the first half. The two teams went into halftime tied at zero.
The All-Stars would start the second where they left off. This time with just 1:20 gone in the second half, Converse got on the scoreboard. Freshman Whitney Cohen played a nice ball into Carry who made a great flick into the stride of Chapman. Chapman did the rest from there, taking on a defender in the penalty before striking the ball into the far post for her first goal of the season. The Pioneers would answer less than ten minutes later. Otero’s shot to the near post beat freshman goalkeeper Kaitlyn Price to level the score at one. As both teams struggle to battle heat, the score remained tied until the 82nd minute. Carry, who already had an assist on the day, took advantage of a deflected ball to get free on a breakaway. The Texas native was not to be denied and scored the game winner with only 7:17 remaining on the clock.
“I am proud of the way our young team responded after giving up the equalizer,” stated Coach Brian Diaz. “We kept our heads up and continued to push for the winner.”
With the win, the All-Stars start the season 1-0 and will take on conference opponent St. Andrews Presbyterian College on Thursday afternoon. Kick off is schedule for 4:00 pm at Hayden Abney Fulp Field on the campus of Converse College.
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