GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Coming off its third consecutive victory, and facing its third-straight road game after an extended trip to Florida this past week, the Queens University of Charlotte women's soccer team (3-2) opened South Atlantic Conference play today by falling to Tusculum, 2-1, at Pioneer Field.
Despite the Royals dominating on the offensive end with 10 shots on goal in 18 shot attempts, they were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the second half once the Pioneers (2-2-1) kicked home the go-ahead goal in the early minutes of the second half off the foot of Kate Guildford.
Queens maintained a large lead in the shot category as Tusculum recorded only eight total shots and three on goal. Queens goalie
Rachel Quest was only forced to make one save, while Tusculum goalie Hannah Graham notched nine big saves to keep Queens to only one goal.
Freshman midfielder
Eirinn McCafferty scored her first career goal for the Royals to open the scoring as she found the back of the net in the 24th minute to give Queens the early 1-0 advantage.
The Pioneers then locked down and capitalized on scoring opportunities as they recorded a goal in the 41st minute by Elise Gallo, then again in the 50th minute by Guildford.
A game-tying opportunity and one of the best scoring chances of the night for Queens came with only 2:57 as freshman
Summer Bishop popped up from a tackle in the box and fired a shot towards goal. Although she beat the goalkeeper and looked primed to score the equalizer, a Pioneer defender stepped up and kicked away the shot to save the goal and to help notch the win for Tusculum.
Queens' forward and reigning South Atlantic Conference AstroTurf Offensive Player of the Week,
Lulu Phan, led the team with five shots, two of which went on goal.
Emma Rose Stockton, who received the assist on the McCafferty goal, and
Naomi Matthusen both recorded four shots on the night.
After a postponement for this Saturday's game against Lincoln Memorial due to weather, the Royals will be back in action at home one week from now on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at home against Catawba College. Kickoff is slated for 5:00 p.m. from Dickson Field.
