SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Converse (2-11, 1-8 CC) soccer team battled until the end, but fell to Barton (6-5-1, 2-5-1) on Monday afternoon at Fulp Field. The Valkyries defense did not allow a goal in the second half, but could not muster the offense to take control, falling by a single goal, 2-1)
Cassidy Marshall was close to putting the Valkyries ahead in the 9th minute after she struck a perfect ball from a corner kick. However, a defensive save by Laura Franco kept the Vals off the board and the score at 0-0.
Barton took advantage of that misfortune and went in front 1-0 in the 16th minute. Laisy Scardazzi collected a pass from Rebekah Beal and placed it into the back of the net for the Bulldogs' lead.
Melissa Carlyle helped the Valkyries to draw even in the 21st minute. Following a foul on a Barton defender, Carlyle calmly stepped up and placed a free kick from 20 yards out into the top-right corner of the cage.
Barton came right back to regain the lead just a few moments later when Syanni Harris stole the ball form a defender and won a foot race to the goal, giving BC the 2-1 lead with less than 20 to play in the opening period of action. The Bulldogs took that lead into the halftime intermission.
Converse had several opportunities in the second half of play, but the final 45 turned out to be a stalemate as neither team could scratch the scoreboard. Morgan Tyler was poised to tie the game late, however, her kick was knocked down and smothered by the Bulldog goalie and that would be the last chance Converse saw, ultimately falling by the final of 2-1.
Carlyle and Cassidy Marshall led the Purple and Gold with three shots each, while a host of other Vals tallied one strike apiece. Barton led the Valkyries 19-11 on shots and 10-4 on corner kicks.
Converse will be back in action on Wednesday, October 17, traveling to face Chowan in a Conference Carolinas match. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.