(GREENSBORO, N.C.) — The Greensboro College women’s soccer team was dealt a 1-0 defeat to Christopher Newport on Friday in the semi-final round of the USA South tournament in Martinsville, VA. After playing to a 1-1 tie during the regular season, the two teams played even for much of the contest before a late goal put the Captains on top.
Neither team attempted a shot on target in the first half as both teams buckled and down and forced long shots. Christopher Newport held a slight 3-2 edge at the break in total shots.
The second half featured a game of spurts as each team took turns creating opportunities on offense. The Pride had several good looks, including a free kick attempt from Sarah Hopkins. Hopkins placed the ball in the upper right corner of the goal, but was unable to beat the keeper.
The Captains finally broke through in the 85th minute when Dani Gunderson converted a free kick try. Lined up on the left just above the box, Gunderson sent Greensboro goalie Shireen Unvala diving to her right to make the save. The ball deflected off Unvala’s hands and into the goal for the lone score of the game.
The Pride pushed the tempo in the final five minutes, but still could not beat the stiff Christopher Newport defense.
The Captains held a slight 8-7 advantage in shots and both teams finished with four shots on goal. Greensboro attempted five corner kicks, four of which came in the second half, while Christopher Newport had three opportunities.
Meredith Kelly led the way for The Pride with three total shots and two on goal. Hopkins added two shots and one on goal while Mary Randolph contributed one on target.
With the loss, Greensboro wraps up the 2011 season with a record of 11-6-1.