Mocs Claim Dramatic Win to Remain Unbeaten

Friday, October 14

Chattanooga, Tenn.

5:00 p.m.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

7-3-3, 5-0-1

Western Carolina

4-6-5, 3-3-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Western Caro.	0	0	0
Chattanooga	0	1	1

Photo by: Ray Soldano

10/14/2022 8:23:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- With one flick of the head, an almost certain draw became a win.

From deep in the corner, Chattanooga's Birna Johannsdottir lined up the free kick. She sent the ball into the box and Mackenzie Smith picked it up and headed home the game winner with just three seconds to play.

The Mocs remain the only unbeaten team in the Southern Conference, scoring a 1-0 shutout against Western Carolina Friday night at the UTC Sports Complex. Chattanooga improves to 7-3-3 overall and 5-0-1 in league play while the Catamounts fall to 4-6-5 on the year and 3-3-1 against the conference.

The Mocs had a few chances to win throughout, outshooting Western Carolina 11-2 with a 5-2 shots on goal advantage.

"We hit the crossbar once, the post twice, one cleared off the line. Really happy for the girls, really proud of them," Mocs head coach Gavin McKinney said. "Phenomenal win."

The Mocs, dangerous on set pieces in the past, tested the Catamount defense with four corners and several free kicks, but WCU keeper Eden Reece kept UTC out of the net for the majority of the match with three saves.

Sunday will be Chattanooga's final regular season home match. The Mocs will honor eight seniors prior to the game against East Tennessee State. The Bucs entered Friday night tied with Western Carolina for second in the league standings.

"We keep saying to them that it's one game at a time," Mocs head coach Gavin McKinney said. "We gook care of three points tonight and we've got to do the same on Sunday."

Chattanooga spread out its offensive effort with eight different shot takers. Smith, Johannsdottir and Caroline Richvalsky each had two shots with all three earning one on goal. Caroline Ekern added a fifth shutout to her record-setting freshman campaign and has seven wins.

Sunday's match kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at the UTC Sports Complex. Arrive early for the Senior Day festivities that will take place before introductions.