GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's soccer team secured a 1-0 victory Sunday afternoon at UNCG Soccer Stadium against Western Carolina University in its regular season finale.
The Spartans' freshman
Mel Herrera scored her first-career goal to give UNCG the win.
From Herrera
"I was extremely surprised. It was a really great environment on the sidelines and from the people in the stands. We worked really hard and I know everyone said it was a good goal by me but it was really a team effort. I am really proud of the team and how we showed out today. I practiced that all week and everyone was telling me that it was possible. I saw the sight, I took it, and I am glad I did because a first-collegiate goal is something special to remember forever. My mom as also at the game and having her there made it even more special."
Records
UNCG: 4-7-6, 3-4-2 SoCon
WCU: 10-7-1, 5-4-0 SoCon
How it Happened:
- 32:24 – UNCG tallied its second-straight penalty kick opportunity and Gabi Santora struck it to the right, but the Catamounts' goalkeeper dove for the stop.
- 50:00 – During a strong possession for the Spartans, Sikora found Herrera open about 25 yards out from the goal. The freshman sent it to the back left corner of the net sending it past the goalkeepers' extension for a 1-0 advantage.
By the Numbers
- Senior goalkeeper Aiyanah Tyler-Cooper stopped five shots and earned her 25th shutout of her career, putting her tied for second in the UNCG record books with Jennifer Stillman '06.
- Herrera scored her first-collegiate goal.
- Sikora tallied her first assist of the season
- The Spartans outshot the Catamounts, 11-8. UNCG recorded six corner kicks to Western Carolina's two.
- This is the Spartans' seventh shutout of the season.
- UNCG leads the series 24-3-3.
From the coaches' box, Michael Coll, head coach
On the Game
"We played well. We were good today. I think it was a fair result today and it was a very good team that we beat. I think overall we played nice soccer and I am delighted for the team for another shutout and a win at home and extra delighted for Herrera to score her first-collegiate goal. A superstar goal as well. She is never going to forget that."
On rotating the lineup all game
"We need to keep fresh bodies on the field. College soccer is hard and exhausting. Sometimes players need breaks and sometimes they don't recognize it so us coaches must use our experience and make changes. It is never because someone is doing poorly. It is to keep the energy high."
On halftime speech after 0-0 first half
"There were a couple things we knew we could improve on at halftime. One was our shot selection, and another was the distance of our passing connections. We wanted to play some longer passes to feet, and we did that second half. But overall, there wasn't a lot to talk about and improve on because the first half was pretty good."
On entering the SoCon Tournament
The SoCon is extremely good as a conference. Honestly, any team could go on a run here and win the whole thing. It just means every team will have to bring its' best every game."
Pink Game
On Friday, October 1, the Spartans hosted VMI and sported bright pink socks and recognized and remembered those who have passed, are currently battling, and who are in remission from cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and if you are interested in donating to a local not-for-profit organization, please visit:
https://cloud.communication.conehealth.com/make-a-donation
Up Next:
The Spartans await their fate in the SoCon Tournament as results from the remaining games untangle the standings. The first-round games will be played on Tuesday, October 26, followed by the quarterfinal games on Friday, October 29. The semifinals will take place on Friday, October 31 and the Championship game will be on Saturday, November 6.
