University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
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Western Carolina
UNC Asheville Travels To Western Carolina on Sunday for a Non-Conference Bout
08.18.2018 | Women's Soccer
2018 UNC Asheville Women's Soccer Media Guide
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – After opening the season with a 1-1 tie on the road, the UNC Asheville women's soccer team will look to get in the win column on Sunday, as the Bulldogs travel to Western Carolina for a 12 p.m. kickoff at the Catamount Athletic Complex.
BULLDOG BITES
About UNC Asheville
The Bulldogs started their 2018 season with a 1-1 tie at Wofford. The Terriers out-shot the Bulldogs, but Asheville had a better shots on goal percentage (66 percent to 32 percent).
With its draw on Friday night, Asheville is now 4-1-1 is season-opening games since the 2013 season.
Justine James played well in 86 minutes of action at Wofford, as she netted her first goal since her freshman season in 2015. The goal came in the 58th minute off a counter attack. Freshman Gillian Oyos earned the assist, which gave her the first point of her career.
The defensive backline, consisting of Kyra Kandel, Grace Sloan, Grace Kwiatkowski, Ellie Stone and Taylor Barber, was solid, as they limited the Terriers to only one goal in 22 shot attempts.
Freshman goalkeeper Courtney O'Malley was also strong in her first collegiate game, as she collected six saves.
Scouting Western Carolina
The Catamounts also opened their season on Friday, and they fell, 3-0, at Kennesaw State. WCU surrendered three goals in the first 39 minutes of action. Despite losing by three, the Catamounts were only out-shot by four attempts.
In its lone preseason game of the 2018 season, Western Carolina tied with Appalachian State, 1-1, but came out victorious in penalty kicks, 5-3. Mackenzie Wright scored the Catamounts' lone goal during regulation.
In the preseason poll, Western Carolina was predicted to finish fourth in the Southern Conference.
Last year WCU finished fourth in the regular season. It won the first two games in the SoCon Tournament, but the Catamounts were eventually upended in the championship game, 1-0, to No. 3 UNCG.
Last Time Out Versus Western Carolina
The last time UNC Asheville and Western Carolina squared off was during the 2016 season, and the Bulldogs claimed a 3-1 victory in Cullowhee, N.C.
Rachel Snyder led the surge for Asheville, as she netted a pair of goals. Courtney Naber also scored a goal, which came early in the second half.
Follow It Live
Western Carolina is providing live stats, and that link can be found by clicking HERE.
What's Next?
The Bulldogs will take a week off, as they will travel to the Sunshine State to square off with North Florida on Sunday, Aug. 26. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Jacksonville, Fla.
