Charleston, S.C. –The Citadel women's soccer team amassed 33 shots, the most on the season and second most in program history, but were unable to net a goal in Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Presbyterian. The loss leaves the Bulldogs with a record of 2-5-1 entering Friday's conference opener against Western Carolina.
The Bulldogs possessed the ball and were on the attack for the entire first half, firing a season-high 23 shots in the first 45 minutes of play. Sophomores Vanessa Aponte and Mariana Garcia accounted for a combined 13 of those shots, including five of the six shots on goal, but were unable to finish as the first period would end in a 0-0 stalemate.
Senior keeper Whitney Nave started the game in net, tallying one save, but was not needed much as the Bulldog defense would only allow four shots in the first half.
Presbyterian came out prepared to strike in the second half as they marched the ball down the field and fired a shot that was nabbed by Bulldog goalie Laura Serafino, who would complete the final 45 minutes in net.
Physical play continued to haunt The Citadel, who collected another 11 fouls and two yellow cards (Aponte at 57:10 and Thiara at 58:31) in the contest to leave them atop the Southern Conference with 78 violations on the season. The Bulldogs only recorded 174 total fouls in all of the 2010 season.
Shortly after the second yellow card was handed out, Blue Hose defender Stephanie Allen drilled a top-corner laser shot that was just out of the reach of Serafino to give Presbyterian a 1-0 lead, despite being outshot 26-7 by the 63rd minute.
The Bulldogs played fast in the final 25 minutes in an attempt to net the equalizer. The Citadel managed to get three good looks on goal in the final 10 minutes, but were unable to tie it up for the second time in consecutive games. The Blue Hose would clear the ball and run out the clock to improve their record to 2-7 on the season and 3-0 all-time against The Citadel.
"Without a doubt we expected better results in our non-conference games. We are playing some very good soccer, creating opportunities and defending well. I feel we have a very good team and are committed to better results starting this weekend in SoCon play, "said Bulldog Head Coach Bob Winch.
The Citadel will kick-off Southern Conference play this weekend when they will host Western Carolina (Sept. 23 at 4 p.m.) and Appalachian State (Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.)
For more information on Bulldog Soccer, find us on Twitter @CitadelWSoccer, Facebook, or visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics, www.citadelsports.com .
