GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's soccer team shut out the Army Black Knights in its season opener, 2-0, at UNCG Soccer Stadium Thursday night.
Looking to start the season with a win, the Spartans took control of the game early on. Armys' best opportunity came at the 20-minute mark off a corner kick. The ball found the foot of the Black Knights' Cami Silvestro, which was tapped over the crossbar by Spartans' goalkeeper
Emma Malone.
Late in the first half, sophomore
Ava Kiss dribbled and found freshman
Mairead Gayer who slotted the ball inside the front right post to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead before halftime.
Starting the second half strong, the Spartans'
Haydan Erck set up for a corner at 47:41. Kiss was in place and headed the ball from inside the six-yard box, to put the Spartans up 2-0.
Even with Army taking 12 shots in the second half the Spartan's defense remained strong to keep zero in the back.
BY THE NUMBERS
- This is the first time since 2020 that UNCG has started the season with a shutout.
- UNCG has won its season opener two years in a row.
- Malone had four saves, against Army's one save.
- Gayer had her first collegiate goal in her first collegiate appearance.
- Bailey Gourdine, Natalie McCullough, and Erck all saw their first collegiate career start.
- Kiss had her second career game with an assist and goal.
- Erck earned her first collegiate assist.
RECORDS
UNCG: 1-0-0
Army: 0-1-0
UP NEXT
UNCG hits the road to Harrisonburg, Virginia to battle James Madison University on Sunday, August 20
th at 6 p.m. The Spartans are back home to face High Point on Wednesday, August 23 with a kick-off at 7 p.m. at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.
