A goal by Austin Peay freshman Jennifer Smith in the 102nd minute gave the Governors a 1-0 win against host UTC Sunday at Finley Stadium and a tough way to open the UTC-Gavin McKinney Era.
Smith took a cross from Sydney Dawson in the second overtime period and headed it past UTC goalkeeper Katie Emig into the right corner for the winner.
Now playing in its 20th season of soccer, UTC is 0-1-0 on the season, while Austin Peay improves to 1-1-0.
Next Matches: UTC travels to Kennesaw (Ga.) State Friday and back to Finley to host Elon Sunday Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.
“Obviously the players are disappointed in the outcome, but battled extremely hard throughout the match,” said coach McKinney in his first year with the Mocs.
“We defended well and we are getting there which are positives, yet we have to be cleaner in our possessions and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they occur.”
UTC’s Emig had three saves on the afternoon, one of which was a shot she was able to deflect over the cross bar in the 48th minute.
Back on the Field: Redshirt junior defender Hannah Wyatt (Soddy Daisy HS) started for the first time in a year and a half after two knee surgeries.
“It’s great to be back on the field and it’s fun to be able to play again,” said Wyatt. “We are disappointed we lost today, but everyone on the team encourages one another and works hard in practice to push each other to improve.”
Notes: UTC is in its 20th year of women’s soccer … AP leads the series 7-3 and has won each of the last six meetings …
Statistics
Austin Peay 1, UTC 0
Records: A{P (1-1-0) UTC (0-1-0)
Goals: AP, 1-0
Shots: AP, 11-3
Saves: UTC’s Katie Emig (3)
Corner Kicks: UTC, 3-2
Fouls: AP, 9-5
Goal Keepers: Lindsey Todd (AP), Katie Emig (UTC)
Next Match: Aug. 28 – UTC at Kennesaw (Ga.) State
Next Home Match: Sunday Aug. 30 – vs. Elon at Finley Stadium … 1 p.m.
contact B.B. Branton at wiliam.branton@comcast.net