MARYVILLE – Maryville had opportunities in the second half, but the Sewanee defense held strong as the Scots fell to the Tigers 1-0 here at the MC Soccer Complex Wednesday afternoon.
With the loss, MC receives its first tally in the L column this season, falling to 2-1-2. Meanwhile, The Tigers picked up their first victory of the season and now stand at 1-3-1 in 2024.
Maryville struggled to find opportunities in the first half of the contest, finding themselves at a 6-2 shot deficit after the first 45 minutes of play. The Tigers also held an 8-1 advantage on corner kicks in the first half.
The lone goal of the game came in the 18th minute of play, when Sewanee's Tyler Cozzie found the back of the net from 10 yards out. Will Pucek and Noah Bjorkman recorded assists on the play. For Bjorkman, the assist was his first of the season.
With the Scots trailing 1-0 in the first half, Fernandez's squad came out of the break ready to put pressure on the Tigers in the second. MC outshot Sewanee 11-5 over the final 45 minutes of play and held a slim advantage in corner kicks, 3-2. After the full 90 minutes, Maryville outshot the University of the South 13-3.
Maryville had a chance with just two seconds remaining in the contest.
Brady Hammer broke away and fired a screamer from 25 yards, but it was blocked at the last second by a Tigers defender.
In the second half, the Scots also held the ball possession advantage 59 to 41 percent.
"You're probably better off going on the road midweek, because a young team comes out of class not mentally prepared and it showed in the first half," Maryville head coach
Pepe Fernandez said. "But I like that we bounced back in the second half and created some good chances. Our shot selection was not great, but Sewanee has a good tough defensive team and it was a good learning experience for that group."
Despite their second half flurry, Sewanee was able to hold on to its lead and secure the 1-0 victory.
Hammer led the way offensively for MC, recording a team-high four shots.
Ben Slay,
Craig McIlwraith and
Jacob Knight followed with two each. Maryville goalkeeper
Christian Alcaraz recorded three saves.
The Scots look to get back on track Friday afternoon with a match against Bob Jones here at the MC Soccer Complex. Kick off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
