The Concord Women's Soccer had a few things to set right going into their match against the University of Charleston Wednesday afternoon at Anderson Field.
Like ending a two-game losing streak. And improving play from end-to-end in anticipation of the conference tournament starting the week after next.
On a picture-perfect autumn afternoon, the Mountain Lions claimed a 1-0 victory -- on Senior Day for Katie Cuviello and Morgan Scott -- and hopefully began to build a little momentum for November.
With Concord missing leading scorer and All-America candidate Gemma Nortcliffe and Charleston averaging 1.8 goals a game, the game became a defensive battle. The Mountain Lions used sustained possessions to keep the ball on the Charleston side for much of the first half but couldn't find the net. The Golden Eagles countered with by going over the top for quick runs to the Concord side but also came up empty.
At halftime, Concord outshot Charleston 6-5 but the game was a scoreless draw.
The Golden Eagles turned the tables after the break, using a more patient, ball-control attack to keep play on the Concord side for long stretches. But the CU defense -- with Terri Donnelly, Danielle Pye and Cassandra Fortino at the back -- stiffened when pressed, and goalkeeper Kacey Hildebrand was steady in the net.
Meanwhile, the offense began to organize as the half wound down.
Concord returned to its first-half form, and their persistent forays toward the Charleston net paid off with just 11:51 remaining. Kelsey Ballard scored her 12th goal of the season, off Katie Cuviello's 8th assist, and CU had a 1-0 lead.
Still, the matter wasn't yet decided.
Charleston got a good look from Sharon Lapinsky (who fired a game-high seven shots) with five minutes remaining, but her 25-yard attempt at the equalizer went wide left.
Ballard had an opportunity to tally again with three minutes to go, but her tough-angle kick from 30 yards out rocketed into the outside of the net.
Concord's fourth shutout win of the season improves their record to 9-6, 6-3 in the WVIAC.
The Mountain Lions wrap up the regular season next Tuesday, October 27, at Pitt-Johnstown. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 pm.
