Western Carolina Women’s Soccer Dominates Georgia State in Season Opener
Atlanta, Ga. – What a fantastic way to kick off the season! The Western Carolina women’s soccer team showcased their strength and skill in a stunning performance on Sunday afternoon against Georgia State. The Catamounts wasted no time making their mark, charging out to a 1-0 lead a mere four minutes into the match. By the time the final whistle blew, they had decisively blanked the Panthers with a score of 3-0.
A Quick Start Sets the Tone
From the very first whistle, it was clear that the Catamounts meant business. Just minutes into the game, Milla Syska found the back of the net with a brilliant goal, thanks to a well-placed cross from Isabella DeMarco. This early score not only ignited the team’s momentum but also marked Syska’s first goal of the day and the eventual game-winner.
But the Catamounts didn’t stop there! They continued to apply pressure, dominating the pitch and launching six shots within the first six minutes. In the 17th minute, while the Panthers finally managed to get a shot off, goalkeeper Leanne Trudel was ready, making her first of two crucial saves for the day.
Building on the Lead
Refusing to let up, the Catamounts poured on the offense. After Trudel’s save, the team fired off seven unanswered shots, leading to Syska’s second goal of the match. With an assist from Ava Robitaille, Syska made it 2-0, giving Western Carolina some breathing room that they would ultimately not need.
As the first half wore on, the Panthers could barely muster any offense, only managing another shot just before the halftime break. By that time, the Catamounts had dominated with a 16-2 advantage in shots, heading into the locker room feeling confident and in control.
The Catamounts Keep Pressuring in the Second Half
With a 2-0 lead at halftime, you might think the Catamounts would ease off a bit. Nope! They came back with a vengeance, launching the first six shots of the second half and keeping the Panthers on their heels. Georgia State’s Aaliyah Faddoul finally tested Trudel again in the 60th minute, but Trudel was equal to the task, making her second save of the day.
As the second half progressed, both teams exchanged a total of eight shots, but it was the Catamounts who remained unyielding. With solid defensive play from Becca Campbell and the backline trio of Mary Mueth, Samantha Whittaker, Abbie Wise, and Rylie Niemeyer, the Catamounts effectively neutralized the Panthers’ attempts to gain any ground.
Sealing the Deal
Finally, in the dying moments of the game, DeMarco made her presence known once again. She scored the Catamounts’ third goal in the 90th minute, sending a shot past Georgia State’s keeper, Jaddah Foos. This goal not only sealed the road victory but also marked DeMarco’s first point of the season, adding more excitement to what was already a triumphant day.
Looking Ahead
As the Catamounts wrap up their match against Georgia State, they look forward to their next showdown. On Thursday, September 5, they will host the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs back at the Catamount Athletic Complex. The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., so be sure to mark your calendars! After that, they’ll be back on the road for a Sunday afternoon clash against East Carolina on September 8.
What a thrilling kick-off to the season! The Western Carolina women’s soccer team has shown that they are ready to compete and dominate. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
