Sergio Guerra, Sports Editor/Photographer

UNCG Women’s Soccer opened their SoCon campaign last Thursday in a dominant 5-1 away win against Virginia Military Institute. Their next game brought them back home to face East Tennessee State University on Sunday, Sept. 22.  

UNCG got the first half of the game underway and faced intense pressure throughout the half from ETSU. The visitors kept a blistering press and did not allow our Spartans much time on the ball. ETSU was able to win possession back almost immediately after losing it each time. 

It was not a surprise to see ETSU strike first in the 35^th minute of the game through Kyra Ranvek. ETSU continued with their momentum but were unable to add to their tally in the first half. 

The first half ended with eight shots for ETSU and five shots for UNCG. Both teams were able to get three of their respective shots on target. 

Our UNCG Spartans came out for the second half on the front foot and were able to put the pressure back on the visiting team. UNCG took eight shots in the second half alone. Despite their increased attacking threat, UNCG was unable to find any response to ETSU’s opener.  

By the 89^th minute of the game, it looked like the game was going to be a loss for our UNCG Spartans. However, with only 15 seconds left, Azumi Oka connected a cross into the box and stole a draw at the death for UNCG! 

With that, UNCG maintains their unbeaten run in the first two matches of the SoCon season. Our UNCG Women’s Soccer team will be back in action on Sept. 29 against Chattanooga!