Williamsburg, KY – Hannah Truckenmiller's goal in the 51
st minute proved to be the difference as the University of the Cumberlands Women's Soccer Team defeated Bluefield 1-0 Saturday night at the UC Soccer Complex. With the win the Patriots improve to 2-0, while the Rams fall to 0-2
The Patriots started the game strong taking four shots and four corner kicks in the first 15 minutes but were kept off the scoreboard. Cumberlands appeared to take the lead in the 17' minute but the goal was negated by an offside call on
Shelby Little. UC continued to dominate time of possession, keeping the ball in their attacking half for majority of the opening half. The Patriots outshot the Rams 9-1 but were unable to convert keeping the game tied 0-0 at the break.
Cumberlands continued to control the ball in the second half. The Patriots attack struck in the 51' minute as
Emily Willoughby dribbled the ball towards the end line on the left side and sent a cross to Truckenmiller, who finished it for a goal. Minutes later Bluefield looked to tie the game as Jacquelyn Chick put a shot on goal, but
Christie Funk made the save to keep the score 1-0. UC had several chances to extend their lead but couldn't convert for the 1-0 final.
This marks the second time in the past three years that the Patriots have started the season 2-0.
Truckenmiller led the Patriots with her first collegiate goal, while Willoughby has dished out an assist in back-to-back games. UC's backline of
Rachel Palazzo,
Erin Bolas,
Alexis Dreier, and
Shannon Glendinning limited to Rams to three shots in the game, while Funk recorded her first shutout of the season.
The Patriots will return to action Saturday, September 2, when they travel to Montreat, NC for the first of two neutral site games. Cumberlands will face Truett-McConnell with game time slated for 1 p.m.
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