NEWPORT NEWS, Va. Methodist women’s soccer opened its 2026 campaign with a non-conference road contest against No. 25 Christopher Newport University on Tuesday evening. The Monarchs nearly weathered the Captains’ offensive pressure, but an Olimpico goal in the 73rd minute proved to be the difference as CNU earned a 1–0 victory.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Christopher Newport def. Methodist, 1–0
Records: Methodist 0-1-0, Christoper Newport 1-0-0
Location: Captains Field; Newport News, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Christopher Newport controlled the tempo for much of the opening half, outshooting Methodist 13–0.
- The Monarchs started freshman Kiera Ferguson in goal, and she tallied five saves through the opening 45 minutes to keep the game scoreless.
- The Captains continued to apply pressure early in the second half, but Ferguson remained strong in net, stopping all three shots on goal during the opening 11 minutes.
- After being held scoreless on its previous attempts, Christopher Newport finally broke through in the 73rd minute. The Captains were awarded a corner kick, and Catie Borsuk answered with a direct, curling shot that found the back of the net.
- Methodist nearly responded moments later with its two best offensive opportunities of the night. First, freshman Ryley Brinkley lined up a free kick from approximately 25 yards out and sent a shot directly on target, but the CNU goalkeeper punched it away.
- The Monarchs then earned a corner kick that senior Emily Hoyt delivered into the box. Her service found an open Sydney Campbell, who headed the ball just over the crossbar.
- Methodist had one final opportunity in the 79th minute after earning another corner kick, but the Monarchs were unable to connect with a teammate in the box.
NUMBERS
- Ferguson made a game-high 10 saves in her collegiate debut.
- Both of Methodist’s shots were recorded by rookies, with seven Monarchs making their collegiate debuts.
- The Captains held a significant advantage in shots, 29–2, including an 11–1 edge in shots on goal.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to Fayetteville for its home opener against Shaw University on Sunday, Sept. 6. Opening kick is scheduled for 3 p.m.