CSU women’s soccer team rebounds with win over UNC Pembroke

COLUMBUS – Following its first loss of the season, the second-ranked Columbus State University women’s soccer team responded with a 2-1 victory over UNC Pembroke on Saturday. The Peach Belt Conference contest was played at the Walden Soccer Complex.

Columbus State (4-1-0, 2-1-0 PBC) will wrap up its three-match homestand with a showdown against fifth-ranked West Florida on Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

“This was a good way to bounce back against a tough UNC Pembroke team,” head coach Jay Entlich. “I was pleased with the way the girls responded and happy to get the three points.”

The Lady Cougars dominated possession right from the opening kickoff, taking 10 shots over the first 45 minutes to just one for the Braves. However, the match was scoreless as the two teams went to the halftime break.

It was much of the same after half as Columbus State forced numerous saves before Kelly Hendricks nearly broke through with a header that deflected off the crossbar.

UNC Pembroke (3-3-0, 1-1-0) found the net first however, using a quick counter-attack to streak down the field and put one in goal with just over 30 minutes to play.

CSU’s answer came six minutes later as Kimmy May drove into the box from the right side and fired a shot at the net. The initial shot was saved, but the freshman stayed with it and slotted home her rebound to level the match at one.

The match remained tied until the 82nd minute, when the Lady Cougars found the game-winner. Maddy Peterson worked a pass in from the left side that was deflected in the box. Olivia Jarrell got on the end of it and put CSU up for good.

Bria Riancho earned her third victory of the season in goal, going the distance for the Lady Cougars.

Columbus State outshot the Braves 26-3.

This story was originally published September 23, 2017 at 4:45 PM with the headline "CSU women’s soccer team rebounds with win over UNC Pembroke."