WINTER PARK, Fla. (September 4, 2022) - The Rollins Tars suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday morning at home, falling to the nationally ranked Columbus State Cougars 3-1. The loss drops Rollins to 3-1-1 on the year, while Columbus State improves to 3-1.
The first half hour was a tremendous display of defense from both sides, with neither team able to get a good look at the net. A few shots were taken, but none were close to being on goal. It was an especially muggy morning on Sunday, but that didn't stop either side from playing hard.
In the 30th minute, the cougars were awarded a penalty kick, but it was saved by Tars' keeper
Elena Beasley. Moments later, Columbus State would make up for the lost opportunity. After a turnover at midfield, Faith Knoedler was able to launch a pass to a streaking Lauren Barnes on the left side. After collecting the feed, she was able to side step Beasley and put it in the back corner of the net to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. It was the first goal allowed by Beasley all season.
Rollins came out with extra fire in the second, and it paid off. after
Kayla Park sent a ball in front of the Columbus State zone,
Sarah Skala attempted a header that bounced off a Cougar defender. On the rebound, she stretched high with her right leg and crossed up the goalie and she bounced the ball past the Cougar keeper to tie the game in the 44th minute.
It took only a couple of minutes for Columbus State to strike back. Michelle Medina took a pass and got behind the Rollins defense. As Beasley came out to meet her, she was able to side step to her right, and smoothly tap the ball across the line for the second score of the game.
The nail in the coffin came seven minutes later when Beasley was called for a foul in the box, leading to a penalty kick for Emma Beddow, who struck it into theleft side of the net to make the final score of 3-1.
The Tars only had four shots on goal in the game, with two coming from Skala. Beasley ended up with four saves in the net.
Next up for the Tars is a road trip to Americus, Georgia where they will face the Georgia Southwestern Hurricanes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7.
