Winthrop University women’s soccer saw its two-game winning streak come to an end Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to UNC Asheville on the road after surrendering two goals in the final 18 minutes.
The Eagles (5-10-1, 2-5 Big South) took a 1-0 lead early in the second half when Monssi Avila-Gutierrez converted a penalty kick in the 47th minute.
Winthrop controlled much of the offensive production, finishing with a 12-11 advantage in shots and an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. Freshman Lila Bowers led the Eagles with four shots, putting three on target.
UNC Asheville (8-4-4, 5-1-1) tied the match in the 72nd minute when Alexandra Gib scored off an assist from Lili Adams. The Bulldogs took the lead less than six minutes later, with Manuela Schreier finding the net in the 77th minute off a pass from Haydan Erck.
Goalkeeper Mia Ruffalo played all 90 minutes for Winthrop and recorded two saves. Avila-Gutierrez finished with two shots on goal, including her penalty kick conversion.
The loss leaves the Eagles seventh in the Big South standings as they prepare for their regular-season finale.
Winthrop will travel to High Point, North Carolina, on Saturday, Oct. 31, to face High Point at 4 p.m.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
