Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Western Carolina women's soccer was unable to overcome an early tally by Alabama as the Crimson Tide netted a goal in both halves and earned a 2-0 victory on Friday night in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament at the Alabama Soccer Complex.
"I am really proud of our team for a tremendous year. It was not the result we wanted tonight, but credit Alabama, who is a very solid team," said WCU head coach Chad Miller. "I'm really proud of the seniors for their leadership, commitment, and the people they are. They have represented us and this university with nothing but class. We will take some time to recover and enjoy this historical year for our program."
Both the Catamounts and Crimson Tide had a pair of shots in the early going with Alabama putting one on net before a corner kick was converted by the hosts in the 11th minute to make it a 1-0 game.
The score remained 1-0 for the home team for the remainder of the half as Naya Marcil and Maddie Lopez both put quality chances on frame, but the Alabama keeper kept the scoresheet clean in the opening 45 minutes.
Alabama came out fast in the second half with the first six shots over the opening 29 minutes, but second-team All-SoCon goalkeeper Leanne Trudel came up with three key saves to keep her squad within a goal.
Marcil along with Ava Robitaille both tallying a shot after the Crimson Tide's push before in the 82nd minute, Alabama advanced the lead to 2-0 after the hosts had put a pair of shots on frame that Trudel had stopped the third one found the back of the net.
WCU had a pair of chances from Lopez and Marcil in the final minutes, but the Crimson Tide defense kept thr Catamounts off the board to secure the 2-0 victory.
"I'd also like to thank our KKSB and Old Timers alumni for all of their constant support, especially the extra effort these past couple weeks. It has been magical and one that we as a program will never forget," added Miller.
Alabama held a 16-8 advantage in shots, including a 9-4 edge in shots on goal on Friday. Marcil led the Catamounts with three shots in the contest, while Lopez had a pair of shots as both of her chances were put on frame. Leanne Trudel came up with seven saves for WCU as Coralie Lallier had four stops for Alabama.
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