WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer team fell to USC Beaufort in their home-opener Friday at the Rinker Athletic Campus. Despite out shooting USC Beaufort 17-7, the Sailfish could not secure the win.
The Sailfish shot early, as
Abigail Longstaff's shot tested USC Beaufort's goalkeeper, Graysen Asher. The Sand Sharks got the ball rolling fast with a fourth minute goal by Kassi Martin.
Madison Kovar evened things up by knocking in a header from
Meren Patton's corner kick for the first Sailfish goal of the season.
Despite multiple attempts from the 'Fish, including shots from Patton and
Kendall Popp, Sami Ruby brought back the lead for the Sand Sharks with a goal in the 16th minute. Palm Beach Atlantic continued taking shots throughout the half but could not convert before the break. The first half closed with the Sailfish trailing 2-1.
Kendall Popp evened the game at two with her first goal of the season. Nicole Gray found the net in the 70th minute with the game-winning goal.
The 'Fish continued to apply pressure with Patton's shot hitting the top woodwork in the 79th minute, narrowly missing an equalizer. Despite several attempts, Palm Beach Atlantic was unable to level the score before the final whistle, closing the period with a 3-2 deficit.
Meren Patton contributed one assist and led the Sailfish with six shots, including one on goal.
Madison Kovar found the back of the net with her sole shot on target.
Kendall Popp also scored, converting one of her two shots into a goal.
Abigail Longstaff challenged the opposing goalkeeper with all three of her shots being on target.
The 'Fish return to action on Sunday at 1:00 PM when they host the Georgian Court Lions.
