HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — The SCAD women's soccer team battled to a 1–1 draw against New College of Florida on Saturday afternoon in a tightly contested conference matchup at the SCAD Athletics Complex. The result moves the Bees to 6-5-2 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play, while New College now stands at 2-8-1 overall and 2-1-1 in league competition.
SCAD struck early to take control of the match when Emilia Irle found the back of the net in the ninth minute. The goal came off a well-placed assist from Ida Akesson, who delivered a perfectly timed ball into the box that Irle finished with precision to put the Bees ahead 1–0.
New College responded midway through the first half, capitalizing on one of its few attacking chances. In the 36th minute, Naomi Woerner converted from close range off an assist by Tereza Cerna to level the score at 1–1. Both defenses held strong through the remainder of the half, sending the teams into the break even despite SCAD controlling possession and generating more chances in the attacking third.
The Bees dominated play after halftime, producing wave after wave of pressure on the New College back line. SCAD recorded 18 second-half shots and finished the match with a 26–5 advantage in total attempts. The Bees also held a decisive 9–2 edge in corner kicks as they pressed for a winner.
SCAD's attack featured several near goals in the second period, with Mia Gomez, Ella Nilsson, and Akesson each forcing crucial saves from New College goalkeeper Avaya Wright, who ended the match with eight stops. Gomez alone registered five shots, including four on target, as SCAD continued to test the defense.
Despite dominating possession and field position, the Bees were unable to find a breakthrough in the closing minutes. Wright's steady performance in goal and New College's compact defensive shape held off a relentless SCAD offense that peppered the box with crosses and long-range efforts.
On the other end, goalkeeper Saga Bryntesson anchored the Bees' defense with three saves across 78 minutes, helping contain the limited New College counterattacks and maintaining SCAD's composure at the back. Defenders Emily Lau, Mina Haggstrom, and Lois Beer provided key support throughout the match, limiting New College to just five total shots.
SCAD's midfield pairing of Akesson and Wilma Hedenberg controlled tempo and distribution throughout, repeatedly breaking down the opposing press to create chances. Akesson finished the day with four shots, one assist, and several set-piece deliveries that kept New College under constant pressure.
Statistically, SCAD outshot New College 26–5, including a 9–4 advantage in shots on goal. The Bees also generated nine corners and showed their attacking depth with contributions from 14 field players. Both sides picked up one yellow card in an otherwise clean, competitive match.
The Bees will look to build on their strong performance as they prepare for more key league fixtures next week
