COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga junior Becca Smith (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) scored twice to lead the Mocs to a 2-1 season opening win over Tennessee Tech Friday night at the Tech Soccer Field. UTC improves to 1-0 on the year with Tech falling to 0-1.
"Becca is a veteran and everybody knows she can play," Chattanooga Head Coach J.D. Kzyer said. "She had some injuries last year that made it difficult for her to showcase the talent she showed her freshman year. She did a really good job tonight and we relied on her a lot."
Smith's game-winner came late in the game when she took a pass from freshman Crystal Mackezyk (Columbia, Tenn.) and went one-on-one with a defender. She launched her shot from outside the box on the left side and cleared the Golden Eagle's keeper, sending the shot into the top of the net on the right side in the 88th minute for the game winner.
"Crystal played the ball to my feet," Smith said. "I took a few dribbles to get away from the defender and tried to shoot it high over the goalie and it went in."
Tennessee Tech scored first with a goal from Kerry Reid in the 29th minute on a deflection off the cross bar. That score would stand for just 12 minutes when Smith tied it up at the 40:33 mark of the game. Smith read a pass from a defender back to the goalie and took advantage of the situation for an interception. She took a short dribble around the left of the keeper for the score.
"This win felt good. As a team it was kind of a rough start for us," Smith said. "In the second half we worked better as a team overall and it felt great to get the win."
The Golden Eagles outshot Chattanooga 10-9 with three shots from Kris Cambron and two each from Andrea Meloff, Reid and Ellie Iaciofano. Keeper Becca Toler made just one save.
Smith led Chattanooga with a game-high three shots, while six other players had one shot each. Sophomore keeper Taylor Mangrum (Franklin, Tenn.) recorded six saves on the night.
"There were a lot of jitters, a lot of nerves on both sides of the ball being the first game for both teams," Kyzer said. "We're a much better team than the way we played today, but fortunately, because of heart and drive and never giving up, we were able to win. Tennessee Tech is a much better team than they were last year. They are very technical and played the ball really well. Our team chemistry is what made the difference for us. We won because we have heart.
"Nine players out of 11 on the field tonight were playing new positions. Kaitlyn Bennett (freshman, Columbia, Tenn.) really stood out. She played outside mid, a position she's not used to playing, and did a really good job. Crystal Mackezyk almost scored early in the game. She can strike the ball and will be a good player for us."
Chattanooga improves to 1-0 on the year and will host Austin Peay Sunday afternoon at Finley Stadium at 2 p.m. Admission is free and the concession stands will be open. Entrance to the game will be through the South Gate only and no outside food or drink is permitted.
SCORING SUMMARY:
No. Time Team Goal scorer Assist Description
1. 28:47 TTU REID, Kerri (1) (unassisted) off the crossbar
2. 40:33 UTC Becca Smith (1) (unassisted)
3. 87:47 UTC Becca Smith (2) Crystal Mackezyk long shot outside box top net
NOTES:
Smith moved to fifth on UTC's all-time scoring list with 41 points and tied for fifth on the all-time goals list with 16
Mangrum moved into a tie for fifth on the all-time wins list.
UTC improves to 5-10 in season openers, 3-7 on the road
11-4 all-time against Tennessee Tech
