Oct. 8, 2009

Box Score

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina women's soccer team played strong early, but dropped a 3-0 decision to regionally-ranked UNC Greensboro at the Catamount Athletic Complex on Thursday evening.

The loss was the first at home this season for WCU (5-4-4, 2-1-1 SoCon), ending an impressive unbeaten streak of six matches, the second longest in school history, at the Catamount Athletic Complex. UNC Greensboro (8-5), who is ranked ninth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) South Regional poll, improved to 4-1-0 in Southern Conference play.

"We came out relatively engaged and we jumped on them," said DeCesare. "I thought we were going to set the tone. We seemed to relax a little and you can't relax against a good UNC Greensboro team."

Western Carolina penetrated the net early with a trio of corner kicks during the 18th minute in the first half. Defender Samantha Hodge tossed in all three corners for the Catamounts. The Catamounts outnumbered UNC Greensboro in corner kicks, 5-2.

UNCG tallied their first goal at the 22nd minute when Tabitha Padgett broke away from the defenders and dropped in the ball from a Jen Bronson cross. The Spartans then added their second goal when Kristin Player scored off a deflected pass from Cat Barnekow. Nicole Danford added the third goal for the Spartans at the 63rd minute.

Defender Jenny Matteson fired another Catamount shot at the 40th minute, but the ball went above the cross bar for a goal kick. Senior Shanna Schmoker led WCU with two shots including a near miss at the 50th minute that required a stopping save by Kelsey Kearney. Hodge recorded the other shot on goal for WCU at the 78th minute.

"We still have opportunities ahead of us," noted Catamounts Coach Tammy DeCesare. "With any luck, tonight was an eye opener for the girls and they will make the most of every opportunity that we have remaining."

Junior goalkeeper Caitlin Williams recorded five saves against the Spartans. The five deflections were William's most since stopping eight shots in the 2-0 win over Davidson on Sept. 25.

Western Carolina will look to rebound on the road this Sunday as they play the Elon Phoenix in a critical Southern Conference contest. The match will kick off at 2:00 p.m. at Rudd Field in Elon, N.C. Live stats of the match can be found online at CatamountSports.com.