Bermuda Run, N.C. — After a pair of preseason scrimmages, the Carolina University Women's Soccer team officially opened its 2026 campaign Saturday evening, battling Spartanburg Methodist College to a 1-1 draw at Truist Sports Park.
The Bruins (0-0-1) overcame an early deficit and controlled much of the attacking play, outshooting Spartanburg Methodist 14-9 over the 90 minutes. Both sides placed four shots on goal, while Carolina held Spartanburg Methodist scoreless throughout the second half.
Spartanburg Methodist struck quickly, taking a 1-0 advantage just 1:38 into the match. Caroline Taylor found the back of the net off an assist from Camila Moscoso to give the Pioneers the early lead.
Carolina responded by applying pressure throughout the remainder of the opening half. The Bruins generated six first-half shots and three corner kicks but entered halftime trailing 1-0.
The Bruins continued to push forward after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute. Kelsey Brown scored Carolina's first goal of the 2026 season at the 62:57 mark, finishing an opportunity created by Chelsea Prescott to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Brown's first of the season, while Prescott recorded her first assist.
Carolina nearly found the game-winner late. Peyton Battilla fired a shot off the crossbar in the 83rd minute, but the Bruins were unable to break the deadlock before the final whistle. Spartanburg Methodist also threatened late, hitting the post less than two minutes later.
Goalkeeper Waleska Gonzalez played all 90 minutes for Carolina, recording three saves while allowing just the early opening goal. Brown finished with two shots and Carolina's lone goal, while Kyara Gonzalez also registered two shots.
"I was proud of the way our group responded after giving up an early goal," Head Coach Boo Tesh said. "We stayed composed, continued to compete and created opportunities throughout the match. There are certainly things we can clean up, but this was a good first step for us. Now our focus shifts to getting better and preparing for a tough road match at CIU."
The draw moves Carolina University to 0-0-1 to begin the 2026 season.
The Bruins return to action Wednesday, September 2, when they travel to Columbia International University (CIU). Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
