Trojans shut out UNC Pembroke

MOUNT OLIVE – Sophomore defender Karen Barry scored the game-winning goal on a free kick in the 85th minute on Wednesday night as the Trojans earned a massive 1-0 shutout victory over UNC Pembroke in Conference Carolinas play at Amon Field.

With the win, the University of Mount Olive women’s soccer team improves to 8-4 this season and has a 6-1 record in conference action. The Trojans and Braves are tied for second in the conference standings following Wednesday’s result, while North Greenville remained undefeated with a win over Erskine. Meanwhile, UNCP had its nine-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 10-2 overall with a 6-1 mark in league play.

The Braves were whistled for a foul with just over five minutes to play to set up the eventual game-winning score. Barry delivered a high arching free-kick from beyond the 18-yard box that squeezed past the goalie for her first goal of the season.

Senior goalkeeper Nicole Solicito recorded her third shutout this year while playing all 90 minutes in the win. She made two saves on Wednesday while facing seven shots, including six in the second half.

In the first half, the Trojans attempted the initial shot of the contest at the 10-minute mark before senior midfielder Maelwenn Gaiffas saw her attempts sail wide of the net. The Braves managed one shot in the half in the 32nd minute, which went right of the goal. The first half was scoreless after a combined five corner kicks and four shots were registered.

Both sides recorded corner kicks in the opening three-plus minutes of the second half before sophomore forward Tianna Hill fired a shot on goal that was stopped. UNC Pembroke responded with three shots over nearly eight minutes, while Gaiffas saw two headers barely miss the net.

UMO finished the match with a 9-7 shot advantage, while UNC Pembroke had nine corner kicks to the Trojans’ six.