Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina women's soccer struck first against Southern Conference leader ETSU on Thursday night, but two second-half goals as part of three unanswered markers lifted the visiting Buccaneers to a 3-1 victory at the Catamount Athletic Complex.
Senior Mackenzie Megill gave WCU a late first-half advantage, ending ETSU's three-match conference shutout streak with a goal in the 40th minute. However, the Bucs answered just 90 seconds later, then scored twice within three minutes early in the second half to remain unbeaten in league play.
The two sides traded momentum through much of the opening half. ETSU put a pair of early shots on frame, but Catamount goalkeeper Amara Yetka, making her third consecutive start, turned away both chances. Western Carolina's first shot on frame came in the 28th minute when Alexandra Zents tested the Buccaneer keeper.
Megill broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, volleying home an aerial ball off her right foot for her first regular-season goal as a Catamount and the second score of her career. The goal also marked the first surrendered by ETSU to a Southern Conference opponent this season.
The visitors responded quickly as Alex Beck converted off an Ava Flanary corner kick in the 42nd minute, sending the teams into the halftime break tied at 1-1.
ETSU took control shortly after intermission. The Buccaneers were awarded a penalty kick in the 58th minute following a foul inside the box, and Natalie Capannelli converted from the spot to put the visitors ahead for good.
Just two minutes later, Beck added her second goal of the match to extend the advantage to 3-1. Following a video review initiated by the Catamount coaching staff, the goal was upheld.
Western Carolina searched for a response over the final half hour, generating five additional shots, but the Catamounts were unable to place an attempt on target as ETSU closed out the conference victory.
With the loss, Western Carolina falls to 3-7-2 overall and 1-2-1 in Southern Conference play. ETSU improves to 4-0-0 in league action and remains atop the conference standings with 12 points.
Catamount Notables
- Mackenzie Megill scored the second goal of her career and her first regular-season tally. The marker was her first goal since netting the game-winner against Furman in the 2023 Southern Conference Tournament semifinals.
- Megill's 40th-minute strike was the first goal conceded by ETSU against a Southern Conference opponent this season.
- Amara Yetka recorded two saves while making her third consecutive start in goal.
Up Next for The Catamounts:
WCU is back in action on Sunday, Oct. 4, as the Catamounts travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., to face the Mocs with a 2 p.m. kick.
The Catamounts return home on Oct. 11 to host The Citadel for senior day. Mackenzie Megill, Maddie Lopez, Malia Roberts, Mary Mueth, Samantha Whitaker, Emma Soucy, and Ovella Ariail will each be honored in pregame ceremonies before the Catamounts take on the Bulldogs at 2 p.m.
