Winthrop University’s women’s soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Gardner-Webb on Saturday afternoon at Eagle Field, scoring the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute.
The Eagles (5-9-1, 2-4 Big South) broke through at 82:50 when Cordelia McIntosh found the net off an assist from Monssi Avila-Gutierrez. The goal secured Winthrop’s second Big South Conference victory of the season.
Winthrop applied pressure throughout the match, creating multiple scoring opportunities in both halves. Goalkeeper Mia Ruffalo made an early save to keep Gardner-Webb off the scoreboard, while the Eagles generated several shots and corner kicks during the opening 45 minutes. Gardner-Webb goalkeeper Abril Montiel made several saves to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
The Eagles continued their offensive push after the break, putting five of six shots on goal during a stretch from the 49th through the 60th minute. After Gardner-Webb threatened in the second half, Winthrop finally broke the deadlock through McIntosh.
McIntosh led the Eagles with seven shots, including three on target. Avila-Gutierrez contributed the assist, while Ruffalo played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves for her fifth shutout of the season.
Gardner-Webb (5-8-2, 2-3-1 Big South) attempted to rally late, taking five shots after Winthrop’s goal, but the Eagles held on for the victory.
Winthrop will return to action Wednesday, Oct. 28, traveling to Asheville, North Carolina, to face UNC Asheville. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
