AIKEN, S.C. – Georgia Southwestern State University women's soccer created several chances throughout the night but was unable to find the equalizer, falling 1-0 to the University of South Carolina Aiken Saturday night at Pacer Pit.
USC Aiken broke the scoreless tie in the 54th minute when Gillian Young found the back of the net at 53:44 following an assist from Payton Bates. The goal gave the Pacers a 1-0 advantage with just over 36 minutes remaining.
GSW was aggressive from the start and generated its first opportunity in the 19th minute when Zoie St. John forced a save from USC Aiken goalkeeper Savannah Yerger.
The Hurricanes continued to create opportunities before halftime. Jasmine White had an attempt blocked in the 35th minute before Ellie Carrington sent a shot wide moments later. Jordin Gundin then put an attempt on frame in the 44th minute, but Yerger made the save to keep the match scoreless.
GSW went into the break tied despite USC Aiken holding a 5-4 advantage in shots over the opening 45 minutes.
The Hurricanes responded after the break with several opportunities of their own. Anna Wheatley forced a save from Yerger in the 56th minute before Maci Dunlap followed with a shot that was stopped by the USC Aiken defense.
USC Aiken's goal came moments after its second corner kick of the half, with Young finishing Bates' assist to put the Pacers ahead 1-0.
GSW continued to apply pressure in search of the equalizer. Taelyn Townsend forced a save in the 79th minute before St. John and Gundin each put attempts on frame over the next several minutes.
The Hurricanes continued their late push as St. John and Ellie Carrington each had blocked attempts before Wheatley forced another save from Yerger in the 86th minute.
GSW had one final opportunity when Wheatley earned a corner kick with just under four minutes remaining, but the Hurricanes were unable to find the tying goal as USC Aiken held on for the 1-0 victory.
The Hurricanes finished with a 12-8 advantage in shots and put eight attempts on goal to USC Aiken's three. GSW also outshot the Pacers 8-3 in the second half. Gundin and St. John led the Hurricanes with three shots apiece, while Wheatley added two. Yerger made seven saves for USC Aiken, while Alana Beddow recorded two saves for GSW.
Next Up
- The Hurricanes return home Saturday for a Peach Belt Conference matchup against the University of South Carolina Beaufort at Hurricane Field.
