Charleston, W. Va – The University of Charleston dropped their second match of the 2022 campaign in a hot Saturday brawl with the Golden Knights of Gannon University. The Golden Eagles managed to get more shots than their last match but were still shutout for the second time in a row. 
 
The Basics
Location: Welch Athletic Complex
Score: UC 0, GU 2
Records: UC 0-2, GU 1-1
 
How it Happened: 
The Golden Eagles were simply unable to formulate any offense. Just like their previous matchup, the defense played lights-out, but to win games you have to win both sides of the ball. In two games, Charleston has only shot the ball 10 times, with just half of those 10 on target. 
 
Audrey Miller and Madison Hansen did an excellent job holding down the defensive third alongside Alison Rothman and Brooke Lucas. Wherever the action went, Lucas remained within at least five yards of the ball. The Hurricane, WV native ran an approximate marathon today locking down potential threats towards the net and even managing a shot on goal. The box score does not show how well Jordan Maynard played at keeper this afternoon. The sophomore ran just about as much as a defender today coming off her line to disrupt through-balls and knock down crosses in the box. Maynard also clutched up on several 1-on-1's throughout the game that kept her team alive. 
 
The first goal came just before the halftime horn as Ella Fadale was given an absolute gift from Logan Nicklas in the box that led to an easy tap-in for the substitute. Fadale came to play today as she ended up with both goals for the Golden Knights and proved to be a valuable substitute for the Gannon squad. 
 
Her second came midway through the second half after yet another beautiful ball played to the middle by Gabby Boden from the near side corner. Fadale shot the ball into the lower pocket of the far side post giving no chance for a clutch save from Maynard. 
 
A positive note to add for the Golden Eagles defense was how many offsides calls were forced throughout the match. They trapped the Golden Knights four times causing frustration for attackers and not allowing them to get a jump start on passes. They also did not shy away from contact after a few harsh calls from their last matchup against Kutztown. They stuck with their defensive game plan and for majority of the match, it seemed to work. 
 
Up Next: 
With a zero filling the win column, Charleston will need to lock in with conference play approaching in Elkins, WV as they'll go head-to-head with the Senators of Davis and Elkins on September 7^th at 5:00 p.m.