University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
East Tennessee State
Women’s soccer set for home opener Sunday
08.28.2021 | Women's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville women's soccer team will play its first home match of the season on Sunday, hosting ETSU at 2:00 p.m.
Road Warriors
The Bulldogs opened up with three straight road contests, most recently falling to Southern Conference-favorite Furman 2-0 on Thursday evening. Sunday's match will be the first of a five-game home stand from Greenwood Field. Against Furman, Gillian Oyos and Alice Walker each registered shots on goal, while freshman Taylor Gardner continued her steady play, registering a shot.
The Back Line
While senior defender Grace Sloan continues to anchor the defense, Anna Done and Jasmine Barry have played significant minutes thus far. In net, Courtney O'Malley has gotten two starts, totaling six saves. O'Malley had a strong five-save performance at Furman, while Bronwyn Luitwieler picked up 10 saves at Western Carolina.
Scouting the Bucs
Having its opener at Ole Miss cancelled, the Bucs have played just one contest entering Sunday, topping Presbyterian 1-0 on Thursday night. Katie Philips had five shots on goal, including the lone score of the contest coming in the fifth minute set up by a Maegen Sours assist. Competing in the spring due to COVID, the Bucs were 1-6-1 but return all five goal scorers. Freshman goalkeeper Shu Ohba turned away the only shot on frame that Presbyterian mustered on Thursday.
Series History
The two sides have met six times since 2008, with ETSU having a 4-2 advantage during those times. The Bulldogs got the better of the Bucs last time around however, getting an overtime goal from Skyler Chillson to take a 1-0 victory in Johnson City.
Admission & COVID Protocols
Admission to Sunday's match, along with all home UNC Asheville soccer matches this season, is free! Due to the prevalence of COVID in the greater Buncombe County Area, UNC Asheville Athletics asks spectators to please mask up and practice social distancing. We also encourage spectators to bring water and snacks as the concessions will be closed. Gates will open one hour prior to kickoff at the Field Drive entrance only.
How to Follow
You can stream the game live on ESPN+, and track all the live stats here.
