Winthrop Second-Half Surge Bests Runnin' Bulldogs, 4-1, Wednesday Night
September 26, 2013 | Women's Soccer
Boiling Springs, N.C. - Winthrop scored three goals during a five minute span in the second half, breaking a 1-1 deadlock midway through the second period of play en route to a 4-1 win over host Gardner-Webb on Wednesday night at Greene-Harbison Field.
Big South leading scorer Krystyna Freda got Winthrop (5-1-1, 1-0 BSC) on the board in the 21st minute in the Eagles' first and only shot on frame in the first half. Freda found space at the top of the 18 yard box, and her shot nicked off a GWU defender and slipped inside the right post, giving Winthrop a 1-0 lead early.
GWU's defense buckled down, not allowing another shot on goal for the rest of the half. Hustle play from Addison Abee, who was pitted against speedy Lauren Watts down the right sideline much of the half, as well as midfielders Justine Ibarra and Brandi Arey on the interior, were effective in limiting goal opportunities during the first period.
The momentum of the match swung firmly in the direction of the Runnin' Bulldogs in the 41st minute, when senior midfielder Megan Loftin sent a high-arcing shot on frame to force Eagle keeper Amelia Henderson to make a play. Her shot from 30 yards out found enough space between Henderson's fingertips and the crossbar to hit the back of the net and even the score at 1-1.
Gardner-Webb (2-6-1) came out of halftime aggressively, being rewarded with corner kicks in the 52nd and 55th minutes, the latter resulting in a quality scoring chance for Tori James. James' bid off of Shelby Hooe's corner kick was swallowed up by Henderson, who kept the score tied at 1-1 with the steady play in goal.
Winthrop's high-powered offense, which came into the match averaging over 3 goals per match, broke through in the 66th minute when Taylor Walton received a pass from Lauren Watts inside the box straight-on and sent a well-struck ball past the outstretched arms of keeper Amy Schmitt and inside the left post.
Winthrop doubled its lead in the 70th minute when Tori Davis scored her first goal of the season as the Eagles kept their foot on the gas pedal, as well as the ball squarely on Gardner-Webb's half of the pitch.
Davis tacked on her second goal of the match later in the 70th minute after an Eagle cross was headed on by Freda. Davis buried the ball inside the left post to give Winthrop a 4-1 lead.
The Runnin' Bulldogs were restricted in their efforts to push the ball forward by a pressing Winthrop offense late in the match. Schmitt kept the deficit at three goals with two saves in the closing minutes.
Schmitt (Waxhaw, N.C.) took the loss for Gardner-Webb, tallying four saves in the loss. Henderson (5-1-1) recorded five saves in goal for the Eagles.
Freda (five shots, goal, assist) and Davis (two goals) paced Winthrop's offense. Loftin (two SOG, goal) and Tara Woelfel (assist) led GWU offensively Wednesday night.
Gardner-Webb returns to the pitch on Saturday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m., staying in Conference to host HIgh Point.
| Box Score: Winthrop 4, Gardner-Webb 1 |
