SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Converse College soccer team picked up a 2-0 non-conference win over visiting Coker University on Thursday evening at Viking Field. The Valkyries tallied single goals in each period to secure their second win of the season.
GAME INFORMATION
Score: Coker 0, Converse 2
Records: Coker (1-13), Converse (2-13)
Location: Vikings Field, Old Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg, S.C.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Devyn Plyler and A.C. Albritton each scored a goal for Converse.
- Gianna Mancinelli contributed an assist.
- Plyler also added a team-high three shots.
- Coker outshot Converse 9-8, but two of Converse's shots resulted in goals.
- Darian Bankston earned her second win in goal for Converse, playing all 90 minutes between the pipes while collecting three saves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
Converse wasted no time breaking through on the scoreboard as Plyler posted her second goal of the season just over a minute into the opening half. Plyler showed off her speed, taking a pass from Mancinelli and flat-out beating the defender to the goal, giving Converse the early advantage.
The game settled down from that point as neither team could establish any offensive momentum. Coker had an open look at the goal in the 40th minute, but Kayla Noon sacrificed her body in order to block Ava Kieser's attempt, leaving the Valkyries ahead by the single goal.
Second Half
Both teams came out firing to open the second half, but to no avail as each shot sailed past the opposing net. However, that all changed in the 76th minute as Converse was able to double its lead following a goal by A.C. Albritton. After the ball was jostled around in the box, Albritton was able to control the rock and blast it past the Cobra keeper.
From that point the Valkyries were able to keep the Cobras at-bay, hanging on to the 2-0 victory.
UP NEXT
The Valkyries will return to the pitch on Saturday, November 2, traveling to Belmont, N.C. to take on the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.