WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — After weather played a factor in two games over the previous week, the Carolina University Women's Soccer team was finally able to return to the pitch Tuesday evening. The Bruins welcomed Brevard College to Truist Sports Park for a 5 p.m. kickoff on September 15 and battled the Tornados to a 0-0 draw.
The result moved Carolina to 0-1-3 on the season, while Brevard moved to 2-0-2. Neither side was able to break through during the 90-minute defensive battle.
Carolina generated several opportunities throughout the opening half. Peyton Battilla put the Bruins' first shot on goal in the 14th minute, forcing Brevard goalkeeper Abby Nunez into a save. Carolina continued to apply pressure and earned three first-half corner kicks. One of the Bruins' best opportunities came in the 27th minute when Jairely Joa stepped to the penalty spot, but her attempt hit the crossbar.
The Bruins finished the opening 45 minutes with nine shots, matching Brevard's attacking pressure while keeping the match scoreless. Carolina goalkeeper Waleska Gonzalez made two first-half saves, while the Bruins' defense also survived a late Brevard chance that struck the crossbar in the 41st minute.
Carolina continued searching for the breakthrough after halftime. Ashley Sanchez forced another save in the 51st minute before the Bruins earned another corner shortly afterward. Carolina remained on the front foot throughout portions of the second half, eventually finishing the contest with six corner kicks compared to just one for Brevard.
The Bruins' defense held firm down the stretch. Gonzalez made her third and final save in the 87th minute, and Battilla produced Carolina's final opportunity with a shot in the closing seconds. The final whistle ultimately sent both sides home with a point.
Carolina and Brevard each finished with 14 shots, with the Bruins putting four on target. Sanchez led Carolina with three shots and two shots on goal, while Battilla and Alexa Anderson also recorded three attempts apiece. Gonzalez played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded three saves to secure the clean sheet.
Head Coach Boo Tesh: "It was great to finally get back on the field and compete after dealing with the weather over the last week. I thought our group showed a lot of fight and stayed disciplined for the full 90 minutes. We created opportunities and defended well as a team. Now we have to continue building from this performance and get ready for an important Senior Night on Saturday."
The Bruins will return to action on Saturday, September 19, when they host Randolph College for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
