UNCW Women's Soccer Team Beats #25 Old Dominion

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Senior Sarah Matthews’ goal in the 58th minute lifted UNC Wilmington past 25th-ranked Old Dominion, 2-1, in Colonial Athletic Association women’s soccer action Sunday at the UNCW Soccer Stadium.

The Seahawks, who posted their first win in program history against a nationally-ranked opponent, improved to 5-4-1 and 1-1-0 in the CAA. The Monarchs, who were held to their lowest shot total of the season (9), dipped to 8-2-1 and 1-1-0.

“ODU is a dangerous team to play and this was a classic CAA battle,” UNCW head coach Paul Cairney said. “This is a great win for our team and a great boost for our program to get a win over a nationally ranked team. “This was a team victory; however, I am proud of Sarah Matthews, who scored her first career goal today.”

Matthews, who tallied her first career point on UNCW’s opening goal, was on the finishing end of a cross from senior Kelly Renkin, who started the play by gaining possession of an ODU turnover at midfield. Renkin rushed down the left side and sent a low cross into the box where ODU goalkeeper Lauren Tupman managed to deflect the cross, but Matthews collected the loose ball and slipped it into the goal at the 57:45 mark.

The Seahawks jumped in front first on freshman Sydney Rigsbee’s second goal of the season, coming at the 14:35 mark. Matthews beat one defender then sent a short pass to Rigsbee at the top of the penalty area. Rigsbee then fired a shot into the lower left corner for a 1-0 lead.

ODU drew even in the 33rd minute on senior Jenni Purdum’s third goal of the season. Jodi Knorowski, a junior, drove a corner kick into the middle of the penalty area where Purdum was able to redirect the shot inside the left goal post to tie the game at 1-all.

Both team had several solid opportunities to score, but wound up hitting the crossbar. UNCW senior Maddy Bullington threatened to strike early, but her shot from 18 yards ricocheted off the crossbar in the ninth minute.

In the 77th minute, with the Monarchs pressing for the tying goal, Knorowski dinged the crossbar herself in what would be ODU’s final chance to tie the game.

UNCW held a 10-9 advantage in shots, including 7-4 lead in the first half.

Tupman, meanwhile, finished with two saves for the Lady Monarchs, who recorded just one official shot on goal on the afternoon.

The Seahawks continue CAA play on Oct. 3, when they host James Madison at 7 p.m. at the UNCW Soccer Stadium. The Monarchs continue a three-game conference stretch also on Oct. 3, when they visit Drexel for a 7 p.m. start. -Courtesy UNCW

-- Jesse Jones, CAPE FEAR SPORTS REPORT