GAFFNEY, S.C.- A strong defensive performance paired with Carina Wust's second half goal gives Carson-Newman (2-2-2, 1-1) a 1-0 victory over Limestone Wednesday evening at Saints field.
The win for the Eagles was the first in South Atlantic Conference play and the fifth straight over Limestone.
"A much much much needed win tonight," Carson-Newman head coach Simon Duffy said. "To lose the way we did on Saturday and to respond with that effort defensively. It's absolutely fantastic. It was a very even game, and i'm delighted that we were able to be on the winning side. Now we have to quickly turn are focus to Wingate on Saturday."
It took nearly 18 minutes of game action before either team was able to get a shot. C-N's MJ Park recorded the game's first shot at the 17:58 mark of the first half, as she sent a shot on target that was saved by Saints goalkeeper Samantha Aguilar-Hop.
C-N's next chances came in the 26th and 28th minutes, as graduate student Sanne Martinsen had her shot from the left side of the box and junior Abbie Zander fired a shot, both saved by Aguilar-Hop.
Defense was the calling card early and often in the match for C-N. The Eagles defense withstood a flurry of opportunities from Limestone in the following two minutes. C-N's defense blocked three shots and goalkeeper Laura Germes saved two shots to help keep the match level at halftime.
Savannah Fields had the first opportunity of the second half in the 47th minute, as she fired a shot on target, but Aguilar-Hop once again made the save.
The defense continued to hold form. Germes made another stop in the 48th minute on a shot from Stina Roswall.
The Eagles pounced on their second opportunity of the half. Park sent a ball to the nearside where junior Carina Wüst took one touch and fired a shot in the bottom right corner of the goal to put C-N ahead 1-0.
C-N's defense handled two final Saints shots in the 84th and 87th minutes but neither were on goal.
Germes recorded her second clean sheet of the season, recoring three saves in the match.
C-N got outshot 16-8 but had more shots on goal with five to Limestone's three.
Next up for the Eagles is a Saturday home match against Wingate. Kick off is set for 5:00 pm. from McCown field.
