Banner Elk, N.C. – The King University women's soccer team battled hard on the road Wednesday afternoon but came up short against Lees-McRae, falling 2-0 in Conference Carolinas action at Tate Field.
After a competitive opening half, Lees-McRae broke through in the 29th minute when Addy Geiss scored off an assist from Kamden Lewis to give the Bobcats a 1-0 advantage. The home side maintained the lead through halftime despite several defensive stands from the Tornado.
King looked for an equalizer in the second half, but Lees-McRae added an insurance goal in the 76th minute when Kylie Gutierrez found the back of the net, extending the Bobcats' advantage to 2-0.
The Tornado generated five shots in the contest, with Sadie Carroll recording King's lone shot on goal. Defensively, goalkeeper Susan Schaaf kept King within striking distance throughout the match, making seven saves against a Lees-McRae attack that produced 18 shots and nine shots on target.
King also received strong efforts from Paige Thompson, Allie Chase, and Sophia Zary, who each recorded a shot. The Tornado earned one corner kick while limiting several scoring opportunities despite facing consistent pressure from the Bobcats.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lees-McRae 2, King (TN) 0
Records: Lees-McRae (4-1-2, 3-0-2 CC); King (TN) (2-5-0, 1-3-0 CC)
Site: Tate Field (Banner Elk, N.C.)
STATS OF THE MATCH:
• Susan Schaaf: 7 saves in goal for King
• King: 5 shots (1 on goal), 1 corner kick
• Lees-McRae: 18 shots (9 on goal), 7 corner kicks
• Addy Geiss (LMC): 1 goal
• Kylie Gutierrez (LMC): 1 goal
• Sadie Carroll (King): 2 shots, 1 shot on goal
• Paige Thompson (King): 1 shot
• Allie Chase (King): 1 shot
• Sophia Zary (King): 1 shot
NOTES:
• King received yellow cards from Sadie Carroll (22:15), Charlotte Hart (52:56), and Vodi Mangal (75:12).
• Lees-McRae held a 18-5 advantage in total shots and a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.
• Attendance at Tate Field was 97.
UP NEXT:
King returns home on Saturday, September 26, when the Tornado host Chowan in Conference Carolinas action. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in Bristol, Tenn..
