Box Score Second-half surge not enough
MARYVILLE – Maryville College women's soccer opened the 2021 season on Wednesday night, as the Scots fell 1-0 to Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky.
A first-half Pioneer goal would be the only score for the match, as a second-half Maryville surge came up empty.
"It looked like an early-season game," Head Coach Pepe Fernandez said. "The first half was fairly ragged by both teams, but I thought we played really well in the second half. We had some good chances. We just couldn't put the ball in the net. We'll get better. We need to improve in all facets of the game, but I was really proud of the girls that they bounced back and played well in the second half on the road."
Transylvania (1-0) found the match's only goal in the 36th minute of play. A throw in on the far side was dribbled down to the baseline and played back to the top of the 18-yard line. Mackenzie Buckler collected it at the top of the box, using a left-footed chip shot that dropped just under the cross bar.
That first-half goal would be enough for the Pioneers to take the victory.
Transy outshot Maryville (0-1), 11-8, in the opening 45 minutes, adding five shots on goal. Emilie Yates had a pair of those to lead the Pioneers.
The Scots' Sophie Turner turned away four of Transy's shots on goal, while MC tallied a pair of shots on frame – one each from Hailey Cartt and Kristina Buckley.
MC's offense rallied in the second half, outshooting the home team, 6-3. Five of the Scots' shots found frame, but Morgan Patton turned away each of seven shots on goal in the match.
"They had a great chance to tie it or win it," Fernandez added. "We're excited and ready for the weekend, and we're ready to move on and getter better moving into conference play."
Cartt and Macy Lindsey led the way for Maryville with two shots on goal each.
Fernandez said he's just glad to have a little normalcy after a COVID-altered spring season.
"It feels great," the head coach said. "It feels like we're really having a soccer season now. I think the kids are feeling that, and we're just excited to be playing soccer."
Maryville will look to bounce back on Sunday. The Scots travel to Washington, D.C., where they will face the 25th-ranked Swarthmore College Garnet. First touch is set for 2:00 p.m.
