Box Score TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. -- The University of Pikeville women's soccer team took a 4-1 loss to open the season on the road Friday at Florida College. The loss is part of a two-game road trip to the Sunshine State that resumes on Sunday at Johnson & Wales in North Miami.
Makenzie Stewart scored the first goal of the season for the Bears in the 84th minute off the bench, but it was all the offense UPIKE could muster. In the first meeting between the two programs, the Falcons netted four scores to open their season on the winning side.
Michelle Rodriguez and Sandra Rico scored two goals each for the Falcons who outshot the Bears 15-12 for the match, including a 10-6 advantage in shots on goal. Rodriguez struck first in the 23rd minute, helping Florida College take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Down 4-0 after 55th and 77th-minutes goals, UPIKE finally got on the board with six minutes to play. Newcomer Lara Verhulst collected five saves in goal for the Bears, while allowing all four goals. Freshman Ashley Castleberry led the way for the Falcons with five saves as well.
Bear Standout: Mackenzie Stewart (1 goal, 1 shot)
Florida College Standout: Sandra Rico (2 goals, 4 shots, 3 SOG)
Game Notes:
· Sophomore Makenzie Stewart netted her first career goal after playing in just four games last season, taking only one shot. Friday night she came off the bench late in the second half and scored on her lone shot of the contest.
· Pikeville is 6-2-1 in season openers since the 2007 season. The loss to Florida College snaps a four-game winning streak in openers dating back to 2011.
· Sophomore Meghan Cook's three shots are a career high, her previous best was two against Cincinnati Christian last season.
· Five of the Bears' starting 11 against Florida College were freshmen.
Up Next: at Johnson & Wales in North Miami, Fla., at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 23
