CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The Chattanooga Mocs defeated Winthrop with a decisive 4-0 women's soccer victory at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn. With the win, the Mocs stand at 1-0-0 on the season. The loss left Winthrop at 0-1-0.
 
Chattanooga took control early in the match against the Eagles, with Paige Thomas scoring the first goal in the 33rd minute, giving the Mocs a 1-0 lead. The home team continued to press relentlessly, and Caroline Richvalsky extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal in the 37th minute. Chattanooga dominated the half with four corner kicks and several shots, while Winthrop struggled to break through Chattanooga's defense, with only two shots, both off target. The first half concluded with Chattanooga leading 2-0, highlighting their offensive pressure and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
 
The second half began with UTC taking a series of offensive actions, including a saved shot by Clarissa Salinas in the 48th minute. Chattanooga's offensive pressure continued, with Richvalsky and Reese Wilson both hitting the woodwork shortly thereafter. In the 61st minute, Chattanooga increased their lead to 3-0 with a goal from Zoey Mize, assisted by EG Dillard. Chattanooga's Ayden Wood later scored in the 85th minute, assisted by Salinas, securing a 4-0 victory. Throughout the half, the Mocs maintained control, with multiple shots on goal while holding Winthrop scoreless.
 
Chattanooga Top Performers
#13 Paige Thomas: 1 goal
#10 Zoey Mize: 1 goal
#15 Caroline Richvalsky: 1 goal
#21 Ayden Wood: 1 goal
#9 Quinn Johnson: 4 shots
 
Game Notes:
- First season-opening win since 1-0 over UAB on August 19, 2021
- Largest margin of victory in an opener since 6-0 over Tennessee Temple on August 17, 2012
- Ayden Wood's second-half goal was her first as a collegian in her first appearance
 
Quotable
"Good performance. I think it's always tough to get the first one," said Coach Gavin McKinney following the victory . "Bright start in the first half. Paige Thomas had an instant impact with a goal, then Richie chipped in soon after that." McKinney highlighted adjustments made at halftime, stating, "We talked to them about being a little bit more on the front foot and how we defended through our strikers and our two number 10s. I thought we implemented that really well." He added on controlling possession, "We always want more of the ball, so it's one of our principles with the team. We want them to secure the ball, open their shape up and connect it, which again we're getting more comfortable game to game with doing that."
 
Next Up
Chattanooga travels to the Alabama Soccer Complex in Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on November 17. The match kicks off at 7 p.m.