Greenwood, S.C.----Wingate University sophomore forward
Taylor Leyble (Jacksonville, N.C.) scored in the final minute of regulation Saturday night, leading the Bulldogs to a 3-2 victory at Lander University in NCAA Division II women's soccer action. Wingate opens the season with a 1-0 record, while the Bearcats fall to 1-1 overall.
Wingate wasted no time getting on the board, with 2014 first team All-SAC and All-Region forward
Brooke Howell (Charlotte, N.C.) striking in the fourth minute. The junior took a pass from preseason All-SAC midfielder
Naomi Matley (Clover, S.C.) to net her first goal of the season. Howell finished second in the league with 14 goals last year.
Lander had the answer 10 minutes before halftime, when
Kayla Walker scored on a free kick, making it 1-1 heading to intermission. Lander held a slim 5-4 edge in shots in the first 45 minutes.
Wingate had the quick response out of the halftime locker room. First team All-SAC and All-Region midfielder
Kaitlyn Brunworth (Littleton, Colo.) scored just 2:49 into the second half, finding the back of the net from 10 feet out to give the 'Dogs a 2-1 advantage.
The Bearcats had the equalizer with 24 minutes remaining in regulation when
Noel McDaniel scored from 20 yards out to make it 2-2.
The game looked to be heading to overtime, but with 18 seconds remaining in regulation, Leyble fired one past the keeper from 10 yards out on the left side of the box. The preseason All-SAC selection is no stranger to game-winners. The sophomore scored Wingate's game-winning goal in last year's SAC Tournament semifinals and in the NCAA regional quarterfinals.
The Bearcats finished the night with a 12-11 edge in shots. Wingate held an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. Freshman
Abbey Frail (Winston-Salem, N.C.) picked up the win in her collegiate debut, registering a pair of saves.
Shannon DeSantis had five saves for Lander.
Wingate is back in action Wednesday, traveling to Mount Olive for a 7 p.m. start. The Bulldogs play their first home game next Saturday, hosting USC Aiken at 7 p.m.