Willson’s Two-Goal Effort Leads Radford to Comeback Win at UNC Asheville

Saturday, October 8

Asheville, NC

4:30 PM

Radford University

7-2-4, 3-1-1

UNC Asheville

3-7-3, 1-3-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Radford	0	2	2
UNC Asheville	1	0	1

Photo by: Rob Simmons

Willson’s Two-Goal Effort Leads Radford to Comeback Win at UNC Asheville

10/8/2022 7:10:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Radford women's soccer program got back into the win column Saturday afternoon in comeback fashion 2-1 at UNC Asheville. Helena Willson netted her first multi-goal effort of her career with both goals coming in the second half.

All was quiet down in Asheville to begin the day as neither team gained any edge through the first 30 minutes. Radford played a stout defense holding UNC Asheville to just three shots on goal. Just past the 30^th minute, however, the Bulldogs struck to gain the 1-0 advantage.

That margin would hold going into halftime as the Highlanders looked for offensive answers after being held scoreless through three straight halves this week. Radford did not back down in their fourth and final half of the week, finding those answers.

Just five minutes into the second half, Willson lined up for a free kick. The junior booted a sharp shot past a host of Bulldog defenders in the box and past the outstretched goalie to equalize the game at one-all. Willson may not be known for lighting up the scoring category in box scores, but when she does find the back of the net it's always in style.

All tied up, Radford refused to settle for the tie. In the 71^st minute Radford found it's game-winner. Lilly Short and Paige Olson connected for passes in the middle of the field to open a scoring opportunity. Olson spotted Willson slipping by the defense on the right side and threaded another pass through two defenders to Willson who took care of the rest for the 2-1 advantage.

Over the final 20 minutes Radford continued to pressure the Bulldogs holding possession primarily in enemy territory. That pressure allowed the clock to fully tick down to the 2-1 victory. The win is the Highlanders' fourth on the road this season and moves the team's Big South record to 3-1-1.

"I'm very proud of our grit and determination today," commented head coach Ben Sohrabi. "We hadn't scored a goal in three halves and to come from behind on the road against a team that was up on us 1-0 and fighting for their conference lives was inspiring to watch. It wasn't our prettiest game but we showed a lot of mental toughness today."

Willson's pair of goals moved her season total to three which is a new single-season best. Her point-total now also sits at seven which is another single-season best. Trinity Veras also took over as the goalie in the second half and collected two saves moving her season total to 12 while leading the defense to post a shutout over the final 45 minutes.

Now past the midway point of the conference season, the Highlanders will return home for the next match when they host Longwood for a Commonwealth battle. Kickoff is currently set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

FOLLOW RADFORD WOMEN'S SOCCER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on the Radford women's soccer team follow @RadfordWSOC on Twitter and Instagram or Radford Women's Soccer on Facebook.