CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Making its 2023 home debut, the Western Carolina women's soccer team played to a 0-0 tie against Queens in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd on Sunday afternoon at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

Western Carolina and Queens both finished the day with matching records of 1-0-1.
 
"I think we played well enough to win today," said WCU head coach Chad Miller. "I've seen a lot of growth in the team in terms of the way we want to play from the back forward, possession, and getting numbers forward. The frustrating part is not finding a way to score on numerous opportunities. We've given up one goal in four games counting the two exhibition matches which is a huge plus and there really was no threat from them today. We've just got to find a way to finish our opportunities and we've got the personnel to do it."

WCU held an 18-4 edge in shots and an 8-2 margin in shots on goal. The Catamounts outshot Queens 6-1 in the opening half and 12-3 in the second stanza. Milla Syska had a team and match-best three shots with five players also attempting two shots. Annika Wilker had two of the Royals' four shots.

"I thought we were in dangerous areas nine or 10 times in that game with great scoring opportunities," said Miller. "Sometimes that happens, sometimes it's not your day. There's a bit of frustration within the group to not finish that game off but at the same time there are a lot of positive takeaways."
 
Leanne Trudel faced two shots and made two saves. The Longueuil, Quebec native has not allowed a goal this season after recording a clean sheet in WCU's season-opening 1-0 win at UNC Asheville on Thursday. Erica Turner made eight saves for Queens.

WCU opens a two-match road swing on Wednesday, traveling to Winthrop for a 7 p.m. contest before facing UT Martin next Sunday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available on catamountsports.com.

"Playing on the road is way different than playing at home. You're on a bus, you're eating pregame meals, sometimes you're sleeping in a hotel so it's managing and getting used to all of these factors and continuing to build on what we're trying to do," explained Miller. "This time of year, you're establishing a rhythm that you want to play in and a thought process in terms of what a team giving you and what you need to take away. We look to continue to fine-tune and get better at that moving forward.

WCU head coach Chad Miller and the other fall sports head coaches will take part in a special Catamount Athletics 2023 Fall Sports Preview presented by Stanberry Insurance on Monday, Aug. 21, beginning at 6 p.m. through the WCU Athletics Facebook page. Each coach will preview their respective upcoming 2023 season including Miller who will recap his squad's opening two matches of the 2023 campaign.

Keep track of everything related to Catamount women's soccer and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports), Instagram (@wcu_catamounts), and Twitter (@catamounts, @Catamountsoccer).