ASHEVILLE, N.C. ? Scott Szymanski's goal in the 64th minute gave UNC Asheville a 1-0 Big South Conference win over league-leader Winthrop Saturday afternoon at Greenwood Field.
The win by the Bulldogs (5-7-2, 3-3-0 BSC) snapped a three-game losing streak. The Eagles (11-4-0, 4-1-0 BSC) had a seven-game winning streak broken. It was UNC Asheville's first regular season win over Winthrop since the 1997 season.
“We really played well today and came out from the start and played strong,” commented UNC Asheville coach Steve Cornish. “We've been playing some good soccer this year but today we put things together from the start right to the finish. Our lads got a great result against an excellent Winthrop squad.
The winning goal came after an Eagle turnover. Caleb Alexander found Szymanksi who scored from just in front of the Winthrop goal for a 1-0 Bulldog lead. It was Szymanski's team-leading fourth goal of the year and came at the 64:14 mark.
Winthrop had several chances in the final 25 minutes as the Eagles out-shot the Bulldogs, 9-2 in the second half. However, Asheville's defense would not let Winthrop get too close to the goal. Bulldog goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen made six saves in the second half for his second shutout of the year.
The Eagles best chance came with 1:20 left. Henry Kalungi let go off a shot from 20 yards out that was headed for the top part of the Asheville goal. Hurskainen was able to get a hand on it and knock it over the goal for a corner kick.
UNC Asheville plays at High Point Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Winthrop hosts Gardner-Webb Thursday night at 7 p.m.
