ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Carolina Alcala-Ruiz scored in the 82nd minute as Warren Wilson College earned a 1-0 victory over Toccoa Falls on Thursday evening at Hank Steinbrecher Field.
Despite controlling play, Warren Wilson was unable to break through during the opening 45 minutes. The Owls took nine first-half shots and earned six corner kicks. Lorena Salazar, Patricia Leiva, Kenzy Angle and Gabby LeClair each put attempts on frame, but Toccoa Falls goalkeeper Zoey Elliott helped keep the match scoreless at halftime.
The pressure continued after the break. LeClair forced Elliott into another save in the 51st minute before Piper Gross, Eden Gfeller, Verena Pate, Salazar and Alcala-Ruiz helped generate additional chances as Warren Wilson searched for the go-ahead goal.
The breakthrough finally came at 81:56. Alcala-Ruiz scored her first goal of the season off an assist from Leiva, giving the Owls the 1-0 advantage with just over eight minutes remaining. Warren Wilson protected the lead the rest of the way to secure the victory.
The Owls controlled the match from start to finish, holding an 18-0 advantage in shots and an 11-0 edge in corner kicks. Warren Wilson put eight shots on goal while keeping Toccoa Falls from recording a shot. The victory improved the Owls to 1-1-1 on the season.
Alcala-Ruiz finished with two shots and the match-winning goal, while Leiva provided the assist and registered three shots, including two on goal. Salazar and LeClair each placed both of their two shots on frame. Warren Wilson goalkeeper Nassi Robinson played all 90 minutes and recorded the shutout as the Owls' defense did not allow Toccoa Falls to attempt a shot.
Overall, Warren Wilson finished with 18 shots, eight shots on goal and 11 corner kicks, while limiting Toccoa Falls to zero in all three categories.
