FLORENCE, S.C. — The Tornado Women's Soccer team picked up their second consecutive win Saturday afternoon, as they scored another second-half goal to slip past Francis Marion in the Conference Carolinas opener for both teams.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: King 1, Francis Marion 0
LOCATION: Hartzler Soccer Field; Florence, S.C.
RECORDS: King 2-1, 1-0 Conference Carolinas; Francis Marion 0-3, 0-1 Conference Carolinas
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Neither team was able to break through in the first 45 minutes, with both teams recording three shots on goal. The Tornado has the first scoring chance, as just 51 seconds into the match Desi White took a shot that forced the Patriots goalkeeper to make a save. The Tornado would continue to buzz around the net, taking two more shots on goal within the next five minutes, but were unable to put a ball in the back of the net.
- Erin Foster made three first-half saves, all of which came in a five-minute span, including one in the 20th minute that she easily repelled.
- The Tornado came out of the halftime break and again were swarming the net, as Veronica Roach ripped off a shot in the 48th minute that was saved. The momentum continued to be in King's favor over the next 20 minutes, as they took numerous shots and had multiple corner kicks.
- King finally broke through in the 78th minute when Maya Houston scored an unassisted goal to give the Tornado a 1-0 lead.
- The Tornado didn't stop there, as they kept consistent pressure on the Patriots defense, forcing a final save in the 89th minute.
- Foster was a brick wall in net, repelling all five shots on goal that she faced to earn her first win of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Houston's goal was just the second of her career and was her first since the 2019 season.
- This is the first win streak for the Tornado since the 2019 season, when they picked up back-to-back wins over Converse and Piedmont International.
FOR THE FOES
- Francis Marion took five shots on goal, with five different players contributing to the effort.
- Makayla Willets played all 90 minutes in net for the Patriots, recording six saves, which is her most of the young season.
UP NEXT
- The Tornado will be back at home Wednesday to kick off a two-match homestand against Newberry. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Francis Marion will also be in action Wednesday, when they travel to Hickory, N.C. to take on Lenoir-Rhyne at 7 p.m.
