Box Score Piedmont Prevails 1-0 in Hard-Fought Match
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – One terrific goal was the difference once again as Piedmont eliminated Maryville 1-0 in the USA South tournament semifinals.
Piedmont made it two one-goal wins over the Scots this season when Kaylee King connected from way downtown early in Friday's second half.
After a Maryville goal kick, King quickly gained possession and fired on goal from more than 30 yards out. The shot sailed just over the outstretched hand of Maryville goalkeeper Sophie Turner and just under the crossbar for the game's only tally in the 52nd minute.
"This team has come so far," Scots head coach Pepe Fernandez said. "After a rough start, they played fantastic soccer all of October. When a team plays hard and creates as many chances as we did today, the only disappointment is the final score."
Maryville outshot Piedmont 6-0 in the first half and 10-3 for the match, and corner kicks favored the Scots 8-1. But just as they did in a 2-1 double-overtime heartbreaker for the Scots back in October, the Lions connected when it counted.
It was a balanced Maryville attack, with Macy Lindsay, Zoe Van Hook, Hailey Cartt, Katie O'Brien and Delaney Muldoon all contributing two shot attempts. The Scots also had a 56 percent to 44 percent edge in ball possession.
Maryville's season ends at 11-7-2, while Piedmont improves to 13-4-4. The Lions play in Saturday's 3 p.m. championship match against Covenant, which defeated host Methodist 3-1 in Friday's second semifinal.
"We lose a great group of seniors," Fernandez said. "But with our young talent we are excited about the future."
