This past Thursday, the women’s  soccer team celebrated a long-awaited victory over Chattanooga. 

Junior Sinoxolo Cesane (Capetown, South Africa) scored the decisive goal for ETSU in their 1-0 win over the Mocs.. This game marks ETSU’s first win over Chattanooga since Sept. 22, 2017. ETSU now holds the top spot in the Southern Conference at 2-1 in league play. 

In the fourth minute of the match, ETSU fumbled a scoring opportunity when junior Madi Cook’s (Fareham, England) header went over the bar off the corner kick. ETSU maintained pressure on Chattanooga’s defense for the first 20 minutes of the game. UTC’s Caroline Richvalsky forced a save from ETSU goalkeeper Ashton Blair (Knoxville, Tenn.). At the end of the first half, both teams tied 0-0.

The women’s soccer team rushes the field. (Dora Mercado/East Tennessean).

ETSU stepped up their game in the second half, pressing UTC’s defense and maintaining possession in the attacking half of the field. Sophomore Grace Eatz (Roswell, Ga.) shot for ETSU, but her ball went over the crossbar. Despite several set-piece opportunities, UTC couldn’t muster another shot on goal in the final 35 minutes. The winning moment came in the 78th minute when Sinoxolo Cesane (Capetown, South Africa) and Paige Carlsen (Johnson City, Tenn.) combined to score the game-winning goal. Cesane received a pass from Carlsen and skillfully directed the ball into the back of the net with a powerful right-foot shot.

The victory was significant for ETSU, and Cesane’s contribution made it even more special. It’s a memorable moment for the team and their fans, putting them in a strong position in the Southern Conference standings.

The Bucs take on Wofford on Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. in Summers-Taylor Stadium.

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