Who: vs. Charlotte 49ers
When: Thursday, August 18
Where: Greensboro, N.C. | UNCG Soccer Stadium
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE ADMISSION
Live Stats | ESPN+
Promotions: The first 50 students in attendance will receive free access to a nacho and wing bar. All NC Fusion athletes that wear their jersey get free refills on popcorn. There will be a Kona Ice truck in attendance. |
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Who: at #2 Duke
When: Sunday, August 21
Where: Durham, N.C. | Koskinen Stadium
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Live Stats | ACCNX | Tickets |
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's soccer team begins the regular season with its home opener against the Charlotte 49ers on Thursday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.
The Spartans follow the game with No. 2 Duke on Sunday, August 21 in Durham, N.C. This is UNCG's first top-10 battle and first ranked opponent since 2018 when it faced No. 3 South Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
STADIUM INFORMATION
Gate entry:
Fans should enter at the main gate into the soccer stadium located off of West Drive below the tennis courts. Gates are open to fans one hour prior to the start of the match.
Parking:
Parking is free in the Walker Deck one hour prior to the start of the match. Fans parking in the Walker Deck should follow West Drive down to the main entrance of the soccer stadium.
Food and Beverages:
No outside food and drink are permitted in the soccer stadium. A sealed water bottle is permitted. A variety of food and drinks will be sold at the concessions stand on the soccer concourse. Concessions are CASHLESS - payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
SOCON PRESEASON POLL
UNCG was voted to finish sixth in the Southern Conference (SoCon) Preseason Coaches Poll.
Release
FRESH FACES
The Spartans added eight new faces to the roster this season.
Women's Soccer Adds Brubaker to Class of 2026
Women's Soccer Adds Duo to Class of 2026
Quartet Sign on #NSD21 to Women's Soccer
CAPTAINS
Eliza Radoll,
Abby Buchholz, and
Parker Sikora were named captains.
Release
RETURNERS
- Junior Caroline Woods led the 2021 team with four goals and one assist for nine points, making her way to the All-Conference second team.
- Senior Maddy Gilhool was third on the team with two goals and two assists.
- Sophomore Mel Herrera, senior Eliza Radoll, and Nadia Wilson each scored a goal last season.
- Freshman Chloe Lausell returns in the backline after being named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team.
IN NET
- UNCG has four goalkeepers on the roster for 2022.
- Senior Abby Buchholz is the only Spartan with time between the posts, playing in 22 games in her career.
- Freshman Emma Malone, sophomore Makenna Nunez, and sophomore Jill Ginn are the other three goalkeepers listed.
SCOUTING CHARLOTTE
- Leading goal scorer Piper Biziorek returns for the 49ers as she scored six goals and had three assists for 15 points last season.
- Macey Bader was second on the team with four points and three assists for 11 points, while Julia Patrum also returns as she scored two goals and two assists for six points.
- Junior goalkeeper Emma Wakeman played in four games with two starts in net last year.
- Bizorek was tabbed on the All-Conference second team and Kirsty Campbell was voted to the All-Conference third team last year.
- The 49ers were 7-5-4 overall and 3-2-3 in Conference USA.
- This is the first year under head coach Brandi Fontaine, who is a two-time Big South Coach of the Year.
- This will be the last year for the 49ers in C-USA, before moving to The American.
LAST TIME VS. 49ERS
- UNCG lost to the 49ers, 1-0, in Charlotte, N.C. on August 21, 2017.
ALL-TIME HISTORY
- The 49ers lead the series 5-3-0.
SCOUTING DUKE
- Duke was picked No. 1 in the ACC, with Michelle Cooper and Ruthie Jones selected for Preseason All-Conference honors.
- Duke has been preseason ranked No. 2 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, which equals the highest preseason ranking in school history (2015 & 2011).
- The Blue Devils return eight starters and 18 letterwinners from last season's 16-4-1 squad that advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals.
- The Blue Devils open the season against East Carolina on Thursday, August 18.
- Duke seniors Ruthie Jones and Sophie Jones and sophomore Michelle Cooper were tabbed to the Preseason Best XI Teams. Sophie Jones was on the first team, while both Ruthie Jones and Cooper were on the second team.
- Cooper was the 2021 National and ACC Freshman of the Year leading Duke with 12 goals and 29 points.
- Rookie Devin Lynch earned TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI as well.
LAST TIME VS. THE BLUE DEVILS
- UNCG lost to No. 1 Duke, 1-0, on November 11, 2017 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Durham, N.C.
ALL-TIME HISTORY
- Duke holds the all-time record of 14-5 over the Spartans.
