East Carolinian

Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Travis Bartlett

The ECU soccer team took the field on Sunday afternoon with high emotion and determination. The goal was to claim a key conference win against third place conference rival UTEP.

The Pirates did just that.

Despite the intense wind swirling around Bunting field, the team remained composed and focused--the thought of a conference championship lingering in the back of their minds. They displayed outstanding team chemistry and claimed a 2-1 victory over the visiting Miners.

The defeat gives the Pirates three home wins in just under two weeks after beating conference visitors Tulsa and SMU before Sunday's match. ECU tied with second place Colorado College on Friday, but Sunday's win gives the Pirates an 11-3-2 record for the season and they remain unbeaten in C-USA, with a record of 6-0-2.

" I just have my eye on sliding that C-USA championship ring on my finger," said junior Jessica Swanson. "That's what keeps my drive and desire so high. We are so close as a team to achieving that goal that we just have to stay focused and concentrate on getting that done one game at a time."

Sunday's game was a clear test for the Pirates, and their desire to win was evident. A first half goal by freshman Kimmy Cummings gave the Pirates an early lead but UTEP was able to tie it up as Miners' player Brandi Aston scored an easy equalizer before the half expired.

The second half began physical and emotions stirred as UTEP received a red card and warnings were issued to the visiting sideline. The Pirates remained calm and poised, and Swanson delivered a beautiful header that found the back of the net giving the Pirates a 2-1 lead. The goal proved to be the game-winner as the Pirates' defense remained strong as goalie Amber Campbell kept the ball out of the net.

"To score the game winning goals against UTEP was huge," Swanson said. "Staying number one in C-USA is our ultimate goal and the goals scored today by Kimmy and myself ensured just that."

The team stressed the importance of remaining focused and composed heading into their next match-up against UAB, as their quest for the conference title continues.

It was clear that Head Coach Rob Donnenwirth was satisfied with the win, but has the experience and knowledge to know it will be a long, tough road ahead in claiming the conference championship. The players shared the same mindset but also expressed excitement about the future of their season.

"We have all worked so hard to be where we are right now, and to see it slip away would be more than heartbreaking," said Swanson. "We are a hardworking team and to win C-USA would be the greatest feeling ever."

The team will continue their battle for the conference title as they travel to Birmingham to take on conference opponent UAB. ECU's next home game will be next Friday, when it hosts Memphis.



This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

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