Pirates Rally for Victory Over UNC Greensboro, 2-1

Thursday, August 22

Greenville, N.C.

7:00 p.m.

East Carolina University

2-0-0, 0-0-0

UNC Greensboro

0-1-1, 0-0-0

UNC Greensboro

East Carolina

August 22, 2024 | Soccer

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina soccer team came from behind to defeat UNC Greensboro 2-1 on Thursday night in Johnson Stadium. After Taylor Mentzer scored the opening goal for the Spartans, scores from Sydney Schnell and Emma Sheehan pushed the Pirates back in front for the victory.

The Spartans took the lead in the 11th minute with a goal by Taylor Mentzer, assisted by Ryen Ortiz. The tally was scored on a quick counter, with Mentzer's long shot catching the Pirates off guard for the early one goal lead.

The Pirates responded in the 30^th minute with an explosive goal by Sydney Schnell. A pass down the left sideline by Juliana Viera opened the field, and Schnell took advantage. The graduate forward filled the open space outside of the penalty area and struck a left-footed shot which arced far post and over the outstretched gloves of Emma Malone.

The game entered halftime in a stalemate, setting up the high intensity affair for a dramatic conclusion.

After numerous tantalizing chances on goal, the Pirates were finally able to capitalize on a late mishandling of the ball in the 76^th minute, when Emma Sheehan got on the end of a looping cross from Isabella Gutierrez. Sheehan calmly gathered the pass alone behind the keeper and drove the ball into the back of the net.

From there, the Pirates held on for their first home victory of the year.

Notables

It is the first time the Pirates have started the season 2-0 since 2017, and just the seventh time ever.
Sheehan's goal was her second in an ECU uniform and her first in Johnson Stadium.
Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram was shown a second yellow card in the 87^th minute. It is the first sending off for an ECU player since August 17, 2018 (Kim Sanford versus Old Dominion).

Up Next
The Pirates will return to Johnson Stadium on Sunday night at 5:30 p.m., taking on the Campbell Camels. The game is free for fans wishing to attend and will be available for streaming on ESPN+ for those unable to be there in person.