GREENSBORO, N.C. - Andrea Morrison's second game-winning goal of the tournament helped Furman defeat UNCG, 2-1, in the second round of the Southern Conference Women's Soccer Tournament. With the win, Furman advances to Sunday's championship match against College of Charleston.
“We gave a great effort today,” Furman head coach Brian Lee commented. “I thought our play in the second half was outstanding. You have to give a lot of credit to UNCG. They played a tough match. We are fortunate to come away with a victory. We look forward to our match tomorrow and an opportunity to win the conference tournament and receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament.”
UNCG jumped out to an early lead in the 15th minute as Dacia Beachum scored her fifth goal of the season. The play was set up as Amy Carnell passed to Rakel Logadottir ten yards outside the penalty area. Logadottir then sent a through ball behind the Furman defense. Beachum ran on to the ball and beat Lady Paladin goalkeeper Andie Hinshaw.
Furman answered with its own goal at the 32:37 mark. Emily Turgeon sent a throw-in to the near post. Tara Marker made a near post run and flicked the ball toward the far post. Ashley Murry then one-touched the ball into the back of the net for her third goal of the season.
With Furman controlling the field in the second half, Morrison scored the game-winner at the 63:05 mark for her seventh goal of the season. Marker played a ball over the top of the UNCG defense. Morrison ran past her defender and beat Spartan goalkeeper Jennifer Stillman to the ball and slid the ball into the goal with her first touch.
“I felt like we gave a great Spartan effort today,” UNCG head coach Eddie Radwanski said. “This is our tournament. We've enjoyed a lot of success and consistency in it. Our girls fought hard until the final whistle and that is all I can ask. I'm very proud of our team today.”
Furman extends its winning streak to 10 matches, dating back to an October 11 match against Georgia Southern.
Furman improves to 15-5-1 with the victory. UNCG, the 2001 SoCon champions, end the 2002 season at 7-12-2.
- UNCG -
