After a hard fought battle, the Coastal Carolina women’s soccer team suffered its first defeat of the season falling 2-0 to No. 2 Duke, Sunday evening.
Coastal moved to a 2-1-1 overall record. Despite the loss Becca Austin had an outstanding performance totaling 11 saves – second best in school history for a single game record.
Senior Amber Adams started the Chanticleers off with a great look from 35 yards out in the 12th minute but hit the crossbar bouncing straight down for Blue Devil goalkeeper EJ Procter to grab off the line.
The Blue Devils’ pressed the Chanticleers backline consistently throughout the match taking an early lead in the first half. Duke connected in the 21st minute as Christina Gibbons sent a cross in from the left flank finding Taylor Racioppi on the six-yard box to side volley it in for the lead.
The Blue Devils continue its aggressive offense with multiple shots on frame. Austin was forced to make multiple goal-scoring opportunity saves throughout the match.
Coastal began to generate some offense in the final third but could not connect. Adams had another look from distance but blasted way over the cross bar.
Ambria Shutts followed with a quick counter attack charging up the middle flying by her two defenders looking for net but the shot went wide.
Duke’s Ashton Miller added to its lead scoring in the 71st minute to give the Blue Devils a 2-0 advantage, which proved to be the final score.
In the final minutes, Ellie Taylor looked for goal from 45-yards out but the Duke goaltender held firm on her line.
The Chanticleers will return to Conway for a two game home stand hosting Elon Thursday, Sept. 1st at 6 p.m. then welcomes in-state rival, College of Charleston Sunday with the match also slated to start at 6 p.m.
– Photo courtesy of CCU Athletics