Hurricanes Come Up Short Against Eagles
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami soccer team dropped its first match of the season, falling to the Georgia Southern Eagles, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at Cobb Stadium.
The Eagles (3-1) soared out to an early lead in the first five minutes and held off the Hurricanes (1-1-2) in the closing moments to hold on for the win in the inaugural meeting between the two sides.
With Miami deep in its own end, Georgia Southern ramped up the pressure and took charge.
Senior forward Simone Timm forced a turnover and tapped home her first goal of the year.
Despite the Eagles’ tally at the 4:08 mark, the Hurricanes punched right back.
In the 14th minute, Miami midfielder Julia Edwards curled a ball on frame, but Georgia Southern goalkeeper Quinn Wilson jumped up to make the stop.
Less than seven minutes later, veteran defender Emma Tucker tested Wilson once again. Wilson scooted to her right to deny the attempt off of the free kick.
The Eagles held onto the 1-0 advantage at the break, but the visitors weren’t satisfied.
In the 56th minute, Georgia Southern turned the Hurricanes over near midfield and broke out on the counterattack.
Timm raced down the left sideline and played a cross into the box. After the ball deflected off of Miami’s backline, junior midfielder Smith Cathey corralled the loose ball and fired a rocket into the top right corner to double the Eagles’ cushion.
Even with their backs against the wall, the Hurricanes found a spark.
Miami senior forward Katerina Molina headed home her first goal of the season off of a perfect service from junior midfielder Lauren Meeks in the 71st minute.
The Hurricanes earned four corners in the second half, including a set piece in the final 45 seconds, but the Eagles fended off the late charge.
Up next, Miami opens a three-match road swing, beginning with the Alabama Crimson Tide Thursday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
To keep up with the University of Miami soccer team on social media, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
