Lynchburg, Va. – The University of Lynchburg women's soccer team endured a narrow 1-0 defeat in its Code Red matchup versus Shenandoah following a defensive miscue in the 90th minute that resulted in the go-ahead strike.
While Shenandoah outshot Lynchburg 11-10 and owned a slight 5-3 advantage in corner kicks, both teams traded offensive opportunities throughout the match. Kate Shepherd made four saves in the losing effort, and six of the hometown Hornets played the full 90 minutes.
In the first half, Lynchburg directed three of its six chances on frame. Lauren Orner fired the first shot on goal in the 12th minute, prompting a one-handed save by Shenandoah keeper Morgan Musselman. From the following corner kick, Makayla Hargrove lined a shot directly at Musselman from yards away, which led to a diving save.
After a physical 45 minutes, the scoreless trend continued into the second half. Lynchburg did not tally a shot until the 60th minute, and the Hornets only placed two chances on-frame in the latter portion of the game. The two teams split one corner a piece in the second half.
With neither club gaining a firm advantage in possession, a draw seemed inevitable until the 90th minute.
Shenandoah's Kirklyn Wilson advanced from the far touchline and offered a slow pass into the 18-yard box. Lynchburg's defense converged and could not cleanly clear the cross, leading to a goal-line shot by McKenna Newcome to secure the victory with 60 seconds remaining.
Lynchburg fell to 8-3-2 following the loss, and Shenandoah's late tally marked the first goal conceded by the hometown Hornets at Shellenberger Field this season.
The Hornets return to action on Saturday, Oct. 18 to face Washington & Lee at 5:00 p.m. as part of the Homecoming Weekend festivities. The Saturday match marks Lynchburg's first weekend home game since facing Meredith in the Shellenberger Classic on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-the-minute news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.
Sign up here to receive Lynchburg Sports news in your email inbox.
Give Lynchburg Sports a like on Facebook, and follow Lynchburg athletics on Instagram, Threads, and X.
--LYN--
