CARROLLTON, Ga.- The University of West Georgia women's soccer team (0-3-1) returns to action Sunday afternoon in the City of Dreams, hosting Western Carolina (1-4-1) at University Soccer Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff. The match will serve as Senior Day, with the Wolves recognizing their five seniors prior to kickoff. The Senior Day ceremony will begin at 11:50 a.m., giving fans an opportunity to arrive early and celebrate the seniors before the action gets underway.
Both teams enter Sunday's matchup looking to snap three-match losing streaks. UWG most recently fell 2-0 to Middle Tennessee State on Aug. 23 at University Soccer Field. The Blue Raiders controlled much of the contest, holding a 16-1 advantage in shots and a 9-0 edge in shots on goal. Despite the offensive struggles, UWG goalkeeper Siani Jones made an impressive season debut, recording six saves in the second half after Emily Sanabria made three saves during the opening 45 minutes.
Western Carolina enters Sunday's contest after falling 2-0 to NC State on Thursday night. The Catamounts battled the Wolfpack to a scoreless draw through the first 79 minutes before NC State broke through with two goals during the final 10 minutes of regulation. Western Carolina goalkeeper Amara Yetka recorded seven saves in the contest as the Catamounts held one of the nation's remaining unbeaten teams off the scoreboard for the majority of the night.
Statistically, Western Carolina has produced more offensive opportunities through its first six matches, recording five goals on 42 shots while averaging seven shots per game. The Catamounts have put 21 of their 42 shots on target, good for a .500 shots-on-goal percentage, while also recording three assists on the season.
UWG has scored one goal through four matches, recording 25 shots and averaging 6.3 shots per game. The Wolves have put nine shots on target for a .360 shots-on-goal percentage and have recorded one assist on the season. While WCU has the offensive advantage, UWG has seen its goalkeepers make 38 saves compared to 31 for the Catamounts. Sanabria has played 315 of the Wolves' 360 minutes in goal and has totaled 32 saves on the year, which ranks first in the United Athletic Conference. She also currently leads the UAC in save percentage and saves per game while ranking second in goals-against average.
Western Carolina is led by head coach Chad Miller, who enters his 25th season as a head coach with a 236-186-47 career record. UWG is led by head coach Mallory Sayre, who enters her third season at the helm of the Wolves with a 6-30-4 record at UWG. The two coaches will face off Sunday as West Georgia and Western Carolina meet for the first time in program history.
Following the Senior Day festivities, fans can compete in an obstacle course competition during halftime, with the winner taking home a prize. Admission to Sunday's match is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early for the 11:50 a.m. ceremony before the 1 p.m. kickoff.
