Pirate’s defense smothers Lady Braves

By Matt Smith
Sports Editor
Oct. 29, 2009

Armstrong Atlantic used an array of shots and a staunch defense to spoil the Lady Braves’ Senior Night on Oct. 24, blowing past UNCP 5-1 at Varsity Grounds.

The Pirates used an effective 12 shots to put their five goals on the scoreboard, using a hat trick from forward Kristin Burton to give the Black and Gold their most lopsided loss since a 5-0 defeat in 2006 against Tusculum.

“As for the game tonight, I think it would be an understatement to say we are disappointed with the way our season is coming to an end,” UNCP women’s soccer head coach Lars Andersson said. “There is really no excuse why we should be performing this poorly so late in the season. However, this upcoming week we have another Peach Belt contest to face [against North Georgia], which is going to determine what happens to us these next couple of weeks.”

Armstrong Atlantic’s offense didn’t hesitate to strike, using a goal in the game’s second minute to take the early 1-0 lead. Burton dribbled through the Lady Braves’ defense to go one-on-one with UNCP goalkeeper Rea Segoviano, besting the Black and Gold goalie for her first goal of the night.

Burton would strike 23 minutes later when the senior sent a free kick from the 18-yard line in the back of the net for Armstrong Atlantic’s second goal.

The Lady Braves’ offense took five shots in the first half, but was unable to convert as Armstrong Atlantic keeper Meghan Mayville totaled four saves in the first period to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead going into halftime.

In the second half, the Lady Braves’ defense continued to struggle against the strong Armstrong Atlantic attack, as the team allowed nine more shots from the Pirates which they converted into three goals.

Armstrong Atlantic registered their third goal of the night on a header from Morgan Mitchell in the game’s 63rd minute. Mitchell connected with a corner kick to give the Pirates their third goal of the game.

The visitors’ final two goals came in the 69th and 73rd minutes, as Burton picked up her third goal of the night much like her first, going one-on-one with the Lady Braves’ defense and getting the better of the Black and Gold unit for her 23rd goal of the season.

The Pirates’ freshman Danielle Fey found sophomore Bjorg Magnea Olafs in the 73rd minute on a corner kick to give Armstrong Atlantic their fifth and final goal.

The Lady Braves’ lone goal came at the 65- minute mark, as freshman Fanny Forsman connected on a penalty kick for the Black and Gold’s only score of the night. Forsman sent the ball low to the left side of Mayville to put UNCP on the scoreboard.

Despite the one goal, UNCP outshot Armstrong Atlantic 13-12, with sophomore Britney Joiner leading the way with three shots.

As for the seniors, Andersson was upset that the loss came on Senior Night, but was optimistic for what was in store for the graduates’ futures.

“The setback definitely put a damper on Senior Night,” Andersson said. “We are retiring some players this year that the program will truly miss. Heather Jones has been a mainstay on this squad and has started in all but 10 games in her collegiate career, and Jenny Irvine has truly been a role model to this team, both on and off the field. I know the girls will do great things post-graduation, and the team and I wish them the best of luck.”

With the loss, the Lady Braves fall to 8-7-1 overall, with a 3-5-1 record in the Peach Belt Conference.

The Black and Gold will travel to Barton on Oct. 28 and play their final game of the regular season on Oct. 31 against Peach Belt competitor North Georgia.