Soccer Runs Win Streak to Two Matches with Shutout

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - For the second time in as many games, the Wesleyan College soccer team shutout Johnson University 2-0.

The Pioneers put together the program's first win streak since 2003-04 and the team's three wins are the most in four seasons. Jessica Suarez scored her first collegiate goal in the ninth minute to give Wesleyan (3-11-0) the early advantage. Senior Azea Mustafa sealed the win with her 71st minute goal.

Sophomore Stephanie Rarick continued her standout play, setting up both Wesleyan goals to give her two goals and three assists in the last three matches.

"I challenged the girls to really push up the offensive tempo for this game," commented head coach Michael Spivey. "With the stats, I think we did that. We hit the post six or seven times and could have easily scored a few more goals. I'm really excited about the offensive punch we put together and the increased shots on goal. I feel like we really dominated the game."

Goalkeeper Abby Stephens posted her third shutout of the season.

Wesleyan returns to the field on October 25 at Covenant College.

Pioneers "Soc' it to Cancer" in Loss to Agnes Scott

MACON, Ga. - Wesleyan College used a stout defense to stay in the match before falling to Great South Athletic Conference rival Agnes Scott College 2-0.

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Playing in pink uniforms, Wesleyan participated in "Soc it to Cancer" night at the Mathews Athletic Complex to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness month. Additionally, the Pioneers (1-10-0, 0-6-0 GSAC) honored seniors Azea Mustafa and Cheyenne Foster at halftime for their career achievements.

Junior Verenice Gonzalez gave Wesleyan a great opportunity to take an early lead but Ashley Watts turned the shot away. Shortly after, Clara Kienzle put a rebound back into the net to gove the Scotties (3-9-1, 1-2-1) a one-goal advantage. Kienzle's goal in the 79' minute gave ASC the final margin.

Freshman goalkeeper Abby Stephens added 12 more saves, running her season total to 162 which is the second-best mark in the NCAA across any division.

The Pioneers wrap up the home portion of their 2011 schedule on Saturday when they host Toccoa Falls College. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00pm at the MAC.

Stephens Adds to Saves Total vs. Piedmont

Demorest, Ga. - Freshman Abby Stephens turned away 22 shots as Wesleyan College was blanked 10-0 at Piedmont College in Great South Athletic Conference play..

The Pioneers (1-6-0, 0-2-0 GSAC) were run over by the undefeated Lady Lions (10-0-1, 2-0-0). Dilyn MacLean and Meghan Heim each scored two goals to pace Piedmont.

Wesleyan returns to action Saturday at Salem College. The GSAC match-up is slated for 4:00pm.

Soccer Completes Weekend Swing to North Carolina

Raleigh, N.C. - The Wesleyan College soccer team played its most competitive game of the season on Saturday afternoon, falling short to Peace College with a 2-0 loss.

The Pioneers (0-4) got off a season-high eight shots, with sophomore Stephanie Rarick leading the way with five while Azea Mustafa and Verenice Gonzalez also contributed to the offensive attack.  Surrendering only 19 shots to the Pacers (1-5), Wesleyan's defense also stepped up its game as freshman goalkeeper Abby Stephens pulled in six more saves.

"The team played solid across the board," stated Wesleyan head coach Michael Spivey.  "It came down to two free kicks, and Peace was able to score on both of those which was the difference in the game.  We had a number of shots on offense and played really good defense but came up a little short."


On Sunday, Wesleyan squared off with Meredith College (3-3-2), falling by a score of 6-0.  The quick turn-around was not kind to the weary Pioneers, who have been battling injury and fatigue. 

The Avenging Angels put up a smothering defense that did not allow Wesleyan to formulate any kind of offensive attack, while keeping Stephens on her toes for most of the day.  The goalkeeper came away with 18 saves, as Meredith was able to put up 24 shots on goal.

The Pioneers return to the Mathews Athletic Complex for two home games this week, facing Tennessee Temple University on Thursday at 7:00pm and GSAC rival Spelman College on Saturday at 5:00pm.

Epperson Climbs to 3rd on D-III Career Saves Record List

The Wesleyan College soccer team had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm against a dominant Piedmont College team, dropping their first Great South Athletic Conference match by a score of 12-0.

Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson hauled in 15 saves in the loss, moving her career total to 960.  With those saves, she moved into third place in NCAA Division III history in the career saves category.  She is now only 14 saves away from second place but will need 154 more over the next eight games to earn the top spot.
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NCAA Division III Career Saves Leaders (Name / School / Years / Games / Saves)

1. Amanda Cobb, New Jersey City 1997-00 66 1,114

2. Sara Jesuit, Marian (WI) 1999-02 72 973

3. *Emily Epperson, Wesleyan 2007- 58 960

4. Tracy Dolence, Lake Erie 1998-01 78 954


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Freshman Laura Goodwin led the way for the Lions with four goals, while freshman Cydney Goodwin added a hat trick.

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, October 2 for a Great South Athletic Conference match-up against Spelman College.  Kick-off is at 2:00pm.

Soccer Eyes Return to GSAC Tournament in 2010

Under second-year head coach Michael Spivey, the Wesleyan soccer team will be looking to establish an identity early in the year that will carry the team to a post-season appearance. The road to the GSAC Tournament starts on Saturday when the Pioneers host Tennessee Temple at the Mathews Athletic Complex.

Follow Wesleyan athletics at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan

Key Returners

Emily Epperson, Senior, Goalkeeper
Epperson ranks fourth in NCAA Division III history in career saves and is the Great South Athletic Conference career record holder.

Azea Mustafa, Junior, Forward
Mustafa led the team in goals (3) last season and will be the focal point of the offense again this year.

Team Strengths

• A solid defense
• Never-say-stop attitude across the team

Areas for Improvement

• Getting the inexperienced group up to speed
• Team continuity

GSAC Outlook

Wesleyan expects to compete in every match this year to the final minute and qualify for the conference playoffs at the end of the season. Maryville College has won nine straight regular season titles and has not lost a conference match in three years.

Worth Quoting

"Youth, experience and attitude will drive this team to meet its season goals in 2010. "

-- Wesleyan head coach Michael Spivey on the upcoming season.