Box Score (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel women's soccer team started the 2016 season off with a dominant win on Sunday afternoon, blanking UNC Asheville en route to a 2-0 win at W.L.I. Field.
 
"The ladies were outstanding today and really battled well to get us off to a winning start," head coach Ciaran Traquair sad. "We were solid defensively and got two very good goals. The players stuck to the game plan and did terrific in challenging conditions. I am very proud of them and delighted to get our first win of the season. "
 
The Bulldogs (1-0) put the pressure on the entire first half and freshman Kaeleigh Guth appeared to score an early goal at the 15:33 mark on a header but it was determined the entire ball did not cross the goal line and the score remained 0-0.
 
Emilie Valenciano responded 15 minutes later with a goal that was never in doubt, rocketing a 22-yard direct free kick into the top of the goal for a 1-0 lead. Heading into the half, the Bulldogs led 7-3 in shots and 5-0 in corner kicks.
 
The Citadel continued to pour it on in the second half and appeared to score two more goals that would have given them a nice cushion but both were waved off because of an offside call. Katherine Arroyo finally punched one through in the 83rd minute and this time the goal would stand as she received a perfect pass in the box from Mady Riegel and beat the keeper with a shot in the right side of the net.
 
Offensively, the Bulldogs tallied 12 shots and nine corner kicks compared to UNC Asheville's (0-2) two.
 
Logan Leask made the first start of her career in the net for the Bulldogs and played the entire game. The freshman rarely had the ball come her way but snagged three saves in the contest.
 
Next up for the Bulldogs is the first road trip of 2016 as they travel to Alabama A&M on Aug. 26. Kick off from Huntsville, Alabama, is set for 2 p.m. eastern time.
 
For more information on The Citadel soccer, follow @CitadelWSoccer or visit CitadelSports.com.