Newberry, S.C. – Riding high on a three-game winning streak, Newberry women's soccer hosted Carson-Newman University on Saturday evening, falling 1-0 after 90 minutes of tough, physical play.
 
Over the past couple weeks, the Wolves have reforged their offensive identity as they scored six goals over their past three games. But with the Eagles having only allowed three scores over their past five contests, their defense would prove strong enough to keep the home team off the board.
 
The Wolves got off to a strong start, forcing a pair of corner kicks in the first six minutes, but CNU's defense showed that it would bend but not break. Every time Newberry advanced the ball toward the box, they were quickly met with defenders clogging passing lanes and blocking clear shots on goal. The Eagles were not afraid of contact, taking advantage of their superior size on jump balls and playing aggressive on-ball defense.
 
The Wolves' defense was just as stingy in the first half, as both sides combined for only one shot on goal. With a scoreless tie at the break, both offenses looked to make some noise in the second half.
 
Early in the second, defense once again ruled supreme for both sides, but the Eagles would soon start to build some momentum. Freshman Sydnee Duncan launched a long shot in the 54^th minute to force Newberry keeper Delaney Hood to make a diving save. Hood seemed to be shaken up on the play, but she quickly recovered and was able to make two more saves in the ensuing minutes.
 
Duncan would have another opportunity in the 66^th minute, when forward Nellie Bryneus delivered a cross on-target. This time, Duncan was successful, heading the ball into the upper-left corner of the net for her fifth goal of the season.
 
With the scoreless tie broken, the Eagles continued to look for scoring opportunities. Hood, who recorded her first shutout of the season on Wednesday, made two more saves to give her six on the night.
 
As the clocked ticked down, the Wolves aggressively pushed the ball upfield against a dug-in Eagles defense. In the 87^th minute, sophomore Ariana Paez gave CNU a scare with a long strike aimed at the upper-left corner of goal, but the ball went just over the crossbar. After a 90^th-minute corner kick was successfully defended, the Eagles preserved their 1-0 lead to take the victory.
 
The team faces a quick turnaround with their next match set for Monday, October 13^th, when Bluefield State College comes to Newberry for a 12 p.m. kickoff.