HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — On a slick field that challenged both sides, the SCAD women's soccer team generated plenty of chances but couldn't convert enough of them, falling 3–1 to Georgia Gwinnett on Saturday afternoon.
The Bees (2-1) looked the sharper side early, pressing high and controlling play through the midfield. Forward Mia Gomez was dangerous from the outset, breaking in behind the Grizzlies' back line in the 8th minute. Her touch gave her space for a shot, but it came just slightly off balance and the keeper managed to turn it away. Minutes later, a corner kick led to a loose ball that fell invitingly for Gomez inside the box, but she fired just over the bar.
Midfielder Ida Akesson was influential in the first half, helping SCAD maintain possession and push the tempo. Meanwhile, the Bees' defensive unit stood strong against the difficult conditions, winning challenges and keeping Georgia Gwinnett's attack largely contained.
Despite SCAD's control, it was the Grizzlies (2-1) who struck first. In the 21st minute, a corner kick delivery found Barbara Kadlecova, who volleyed home the opener with precision. The Bees continued to push forward, outshooting Gwinnett 12–3 in the opening half, but couldn't break through before the break.
Coming out of halftime, SCAD's attack slowed, and the Grizzlies took advantage. In the 54th minute, Natalie Maguire pounced after SCAD keeper Saga Bryntesson made an initial save, pushing the ball back into the middle of the box. Maguire reacted quickest, finishing the rebound to double the lead. Just over 10 minutes later, Gwinnett struck again when Rikke Steenhold converted from close range, with Nova Eskelinen picking up her second assist of the day.
Down 3–0, the Bees continued to fight. Gomez finally found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute, firing home her fourth shot on target to bring SCAD within two. She finished with a team-high six attempts, including four on frame, as SCAD outshot Georgia Gwinnett 18–7 overall. Akesson added four shots of her own, and Haidyn Jenkins and Cali Wuestefeld also tested the keeper, but Gwinnett's Elle Sarter delivered nine saves, several of them at key moments, to protect the lead.
SCAD's defense, anchored by Emilia Irle, Emily Lau, and Mina Haggstrom, continued to battle until the final whistle despite the heavy footing and constant pressure. Bryntesson tallied two saves in goal but was left exposed on second-chance efforts that proved decisive.
In the end, the Bees' dominance in possession and shots wasn't enough to overcome Georgia Gwinnett's opportunistic finishing and Sarter's strong play between the posts.
SCAD will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, aiming to turn their offensive pressure into goals and bounce back from their first loss of the season.
