UTC soccer team edged by Alabama at Finley

UTC's Masey Fox, right, battles for control of the ball with Alabama's Nealy Martin during Sunday's game at Finley Stadium. The Crimson Tide beat the Mocs 1-0.
UTC's Masey Fox, right, battles for control of the ball with Alabama's Nealy Martin during Sunday's game at Finley Stadium. The Crimson Tide beat the Mocs 1-0.

Too much defense. Not enough offense.

That summed up the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's soccer match against Alabama on Sunday afternoon at Finley Stadium.

The Crimson Tide outshot the Mocs 18-3, with seven attempts on goal to UTC's one, and it was a 48th-minute goal by Lacey Clarida that proved the difference in a 1-0 final.

Alabama (4-0) dominated the first half, attempting 12 shots to one for UTC (1-3), and had three corner kicks. Yet a trio of saves by Mocs freshman keeper Melia Correa kept the teams scoreless at the break.

Clarida scored three minutes into the second half when she fielded a cross from Abbie Boswell and tapped the ball into the open goal.

The Mocs were able to mount a little bit of an offensive attack in the second half, led by Peyton McCollum and Ellie Myrick, who each had a shot on goal. McCollum ripped a 74th-minute shot that was saved by Kat Stratton, while Myrick's was blocked in the game's final moments.

"We got out of rhythm and a little bit panicky for a stretch in the second half," UTC coach Gavin McKinney said. "We gave away possession far too cheaply, defending for really long spells. We needed to slow down, keep possession and build a little bit more, but we competed really hard today altogether. For a young team this was great for experience, and hopefully we can get a run of games now, because we've been playing well."

The next match for the Mocs is Sept. 4 at Morehead State.

McKinney praised his defense for Sunday's performance. The Crimson Tide have outscored their first three opponents 13-2, but they were held without many quality opportunities on goal despite the edge in overall shots.

"We need to show a little bit more quality," he said. "We've played well enough to get something out of the three losses we've had. I think we need to be more fluid in possession, the way we build, the way we create chances, and when we do create chances, we've got to become cutthroat and take it.

"The defensive side of things is great. Now we have to show quality so we can win games."

Former Baylor School standout Chloe Maize, a Crimson Tide freshman, tore an ACL last week and did not make the trip to Chattanooga.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfree press.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.

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