Foley, Ala. - The No. 4 Central Methodist Women's Soccer team saw their season come to an end with a 1-0 loss to No. 12 Tennessee Southern Thursday afternoon in Foley, Ala. 

Central concludes 2023 with a 19-3-1 record, while the Firehawks improve to 16-4-3. UT Southern advances to the national semifinals where they will face No. 1 William Carey, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 1:00 pm. 

Central came into the game with energy which was matched by the Firehawks early. Mariana Barreto landed the first shot on goal in the seventh minute of play, putting Tennessee Southern's goalkeeper to work early. 

The Eagles continued their offensive pressure, firing off two more shots by Barreto and Paula Castro. UT Southern recorded their first shot on goal in the 29th minute of play.

The defensive stalemate led to a scoreless first half. Both were sides were identical in shots (five) shots on goal (three) and corners (one) through the first 45 minutes. 

Returning from the break, UTS came out with intensity, firing off four shots. Tennessee Southern ultimately scored on a shot that just went off the fingertips of Candela Blanco Esteban into the upper right corner in the 60th minute. 

The Eagles were unable to respond in the final 30 minutes of play, as the Firehawks would go on to earn the 1-0 shut out victory. 

As a team, Central tallied 10 total shots with four coming on goal. The Firehawks recorded 12 total shots with six coming on frame. 

Kirstine Lykke led the way for CMU, recording three shots. Barreto and Lacey Ann Murray followed w two shots a piece. Kaede Yamaguchi, Larissa Ozorio, and Castro all contributed a shot as well. 

Blanco Esteban played all 90 minutes between the posts, picking up five saves.  

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