PULASKI, Tenn. – The William Carey women's soccer team suffered its first conference setback of the season Thursday evening, falling 3-1 to No. 18 UT Southern at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks came out aggressively, recording four shots in the opening minutes of the match. The Lady Crusaders weathered the early pressure and settled into the game, controlling possession for much of the first half while creating several quality opportunities in the attacking third.
Carey put four shots on target before halftime, including its best chance in the closing minutes of the period, but a diving save by the UT Southern goalkeeper kept the match scoreless. Despite controlling possession and limiting the Firehawks to just one shot on goal, the Lady Crusaders entered the halftime break trailing 1-0 after UT Southern found the back of the net in the final minutes of the opening half.
The Crusaders answered shortly after the restart.
In the 53rd minute,
Paloma Paris capitalized on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired home the equalizer to level the match at 1-1.
UT Southern responded quickly, reclaiming the lead less than two minutes later with a goal in the 55th minute. The Firehawks added an insurance goal in the 70th minute, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to push the advantage to 3-1.
The Firehawks' defense held firm over the final 20 minutes to secure the conference victory.
William Carey returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, when the Crusaders travel to Blue Mountain, Miss., for a conference matchup against Blue Mountain Christian. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
