Early Goals Sink Pioneers in 2-1 Loss at Bryan College

DAYTON, Tenn. – Early goals in the sixth and 18th minutes lifted host Bryan College to a 2-1 win over the Spartanburg Methodist College women's soccer team on Saturday afternoon.

Bryan opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Carmen Verdel found the back of the net on the first shot of the match.

SMC (4-7-4, 2-6-3 AAC) nearly equalized just two minutes later, but a Camila Moscoso shot was denied by the Bryan goalkeeper. A little over eight minutes later, Moscoso came close again, striking the crossbar to keep the Pioneers off the scoreboard.

The Tigers doubled their lead in the 18th minute on a goal from Cammie Ruehling, putting SMC in a 2-0 hole early.

The Pioneers came out strong in the second half, as Lucero Rivera's shot sailed just high seconds after the restart. In the 52nd minute, Caitlin Lagos connected with Moscoso, who scored to cut the deficit to 2-1. SMC continued to press for the equalizer, with Addie Hawkins' attempt in the 62nd minute drifting wide left.

The Pioneers mounted four scoring threats in a four-minute span late in the match, but Bryan goalkeeper Ava Hooks turned away each effort to preserve the win.

SMC will step out of conference play next, visiting Allen (S.C.) on Wednesday, October 15, at 3 p.m.