SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida Women's Soccer earned its second Sun Conference victory of the season Saturday, defeating Webber International 1-0 at NCF Bayfront Field.
Faith Hardy scored the deciding goal early in the second half off an assist from Naomi Woerner, while Avaya Wright and the NCF defense kept the Warriors off the scoreboard.
The Mighty Banyans improved to 7-1-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. NCF sits second in the SUN standings with six points, level with Keiser atop the conference table.
Hardy's goal was her 11th of the season, moving her into sole possession of NCF's single-season goals record for the time being.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Webber generated the majority of the early chances, but NCF's defense held firm throughout the opening half.
The Warriors earned a penalty kick in the 14th minute, but Olof Sigurdardottir sent the attempt wide to keep the match scoreless.
Hardy produced NCF's first shot in the 24th minute, but her attempt was blocked. The Mighty Banyans continued to withstand Webber's pressure and entered halftime tied 0-0.
NCF found the breakthrough less than four minutes into the second half. Woerner created the opportunity for Hardy, who finished at the 48:54 mark to give the Mighty Banyans a 1-0 lead.
Hardy nearly doubled the advantage in the 70th minute, forcing a save from Webber goalkeeper Brylee Kamm.
Webber continued to push for an equalizer, placing three attempts on goal over the final 23 minutes. Wright turned away each opportunity, including consecutive saves in the 81st minute, to preserve the shutout.
THE TURNING POINT
After Webber controlled much of the opening half, NCF quickly shifted the match following the break.
Woerner found Hardy in the 49th minute, and Hardy converted the opportunity for the only goal of the afternoon.
Wright and the Mighty Banyans' defense protected the advantage over the final 41 minutes to secure three conference points.
BY THE NUMBERS
11
Goals scored by Hardy this season, placing her alone atop NCF's single-season goals list for now.
6
Conference points earned by the Mighty Banyans, level with Keiser atop the SUN standings.
15
Webber shots defended by NCF without allowing a goal.
4
Official goalkeeper saves recorded by Wright during the shutout.
48:54
Time of the match's only goal.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Faith Hardy - 1
Assists: Naomi Woerner - 1
Shots: Faith Hardy - 4; Chole Nickell - 1; Caroline Langsam - 1
Shots on Goal: Faith Hardy - 2
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 0 goals allowed, 4 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will remain home to host No. 14 SCAD next Saturday at 1 p.m. at NCF Bayfront Field.
