DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College women's soccer team (0-1-0) was defeated by USC Beaufort (2-1-0) by a score of 2-1 at Huggins Field on Saturday afternoon. Senior midfielder Brittiney Gardner scored the Fleet's lone goal of the match, a second-half equalizer but it was not enough as Erskine dropped their 2021 fall season opener.
 
THE ESSENTIALS 
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THE MATCH
The visiting Sandsharks started the match on the front foot, creating numerous chances, but had a pair of goals called back for offside and handball, which kept the match scoreless through the first 20 minutes. Then, in the 26th minute, USC Beaufort's Mari Kalvatn scored from a free kick to give the Sandsharks a deserved 1-0 lead. Following the goal, though, the Fleet grew into the match and began creating chances of their own. Just seconds before the half, Erskine's solid work was rewarded thanks to a special effort from Brittiney Gardner. Gardner received the ball in the Fleet's attacking half and dribbled past a few USC Beaufort players before creating some space for herself outside the box and unleashing a beautiful curling shot that nestled in the top right corner of the goal to level the match at one apiece heading into the half. However, the Fleet's offense was inconsistent in the second half as USC Beaufort regained control, and the Sandsharks retook the lead in the 57th minute on a second goal from Kalvatn. That would be enough for the visitors as they held off the Fleet for the remaining half-hour and Erskine was beaten 2-1 in the 2021 fall home opener.

THE PLAYER
Brittiney Gardner had just one shot in the match, but she made it count with a fantastic long-range shot to tie the match in the second half.

THE TEAM
Erskine was outshot by the Sandsharks 12 to four and in shots on target, six to four. USC Beaufort also had all five corner kicks in the match.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Fleet go on the road for the first time this season on Wednesday, September 8 as they travel to Mars Hill University (0-1) at 6:00 p.m. The Lions lead the all-time series 5-1-1, but the Fleet were victorious in their most recent meeting, a 2-1 home win back in 2018.
 
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