WINGATE, NC – Graduate student forward
Tehya Dave' sealed the deal in the 75th minute with a game-winning goal after a scoreless yet competitive first half, securing an important regional victory as the Francis Marion University women's soccer team prevailed 1-0 over Wingate University on Saturday evening (Sept. 12) in the WU Soccer Complex.
Francis Marion improves to 3-2 overall while keeping a spotless 2-0 record on the road. FMU advances the all-time series record against the Bulldogs to 9-3 and claims its first win at Wingate since 2004.
The Patriots will resume their conference schedule at rival UNC Pembroke on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.
Senior goalkeeper
Erin Grabeel suffered an injury near the sixth minute. However, the Patriots were in good hands as sophomore goalkeeper
Charley Kerr made an impact in her collegiate debut tallying three saves in 83 minutes.
Francis Marion controlled the tempo in the first half with six shots, however the score settled nil-nil before halftime. With Grabeel down, the Patriot defense dialed in to give Kerr the support as the Bulldogs were only able to get off three shots in the first half.
In the 75th minute, Dave' raced through Wingate's midfield to connect with sophomore forward
Matea Bradfield on a give-and-go. After creating separation from the Bulldogs' backline, Dave' fired a shot into the upper-right corner of the net.
The Patriots held a 12-8 advantage in total shots while FMU finished with four shots on goal in comparison to Wingate's three. Wingate ended with four corner kicks versus Francis Marion's three.
