USCB women’s soccer bounced back from a season-opening loss in dominant fashion Saturday, thumping NCAA Division II Georgia Southwestern 4-0 at Fin Land Field thanks to a pair of goals from freshman Synne Bye-Andersen.
The Sand Sharks struck early in the fourth minute to open a terrific day on the pitch. After a pair of initial USCB shots, Bye-Andersen found the back of the net for her first collegiate goal. The home team added another in the 18th minute, as junior standout and USCB single-season scoring record holder Mari Kalvatn netted her first of the year. Keaton Neal and Kristin Beltestad’s passes set up Kalvatn’s finish to stretch the lead to 2-0.
The Sand Sharks extended the lead further with six minutes to go in the first half, as Anniken Broderson beat Hurricane keeper Meredith Gilleland to cap off a sensational opening period. USCB’s defense was flawless in the first 45, allowing not even a single shot on goal.
Just 55 seconds into the second half, USCB tacked on a fourth. Kalvatn sent a dazzling long ball to Bye-Andersen who knocked in her second goal of the match. The Sand Sharks kept up the intensity for the remainder of the day, hammering 15 more shots on net to put the finishing touches on a clinical showing.
USCB outplayed Georgia Southwestern from start to finish, outshooting the ‘Canes by a whopping margin of 26-2. Emily Worrell had an easy day in net, making one save en route to her first victory and clean sheet of the season.
USCB (1-1) faces another Division II side Tuesday in a home matchup with Converse.
By Wes Kerr / Photo by Bob Cragin