SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Converse (0-4, 0-2 CC) soccer team dropped a home conference match against Limestone (4-1, 2-0 CC) on Thursday evening at Fulp Field. The Saints used early goals in both halves while adding late scores to down the Valkyries 5-0.
Limestone went on the attack early, posting a score with just 12 ticks off the clock to take an early lead. However, the Valkyries locked down on the defensive end and Darian Bankston held her own between the pipes, turning down several shots from the Saints attack.
Converse looked poised to knot the match a goal apiece, but Gianna Mancinelli's header was reeled in by the Saints keeper. In the 32nd minute of play Jenny Matusik was presented a golden opportunity as she picked up a loose ball in the box and fired the rock at goal but was denied her first score of the season.
From that point both defenses stood their ground and Limestone took the 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Valkyries came out firing to begin the second half as Anna Claire Albritton stole the ball from a Saints defender and put a nice shot on goal, but was unsuccessful. That missed chance came back to haunt the Purple and Gold after Danielle Murray went the length of the field and posted LC's second goal in the 48th minute.
Megan O'Connor scored two goals in the 54th and 66th minute while Abbie Iddenden posted a score in the 66th minute to balloon the score to 5-0 in favor of the guests, which would eventually be the final count of the contest.
Mancinelli led the Vals with two shots, including one on goal. Darian Bankston went the distance in net, allowing five goals and collecting six saves. Limestone held a 25-6 advantage on shots and 12-3 mark at the corner.
Converse will return to the pitch on Saturday, September 22 as it plays host to Albany St. (Ga.) in non-conference action. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Hayden Abney Fulp Field.