By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Chattanooga spoiled the Tennessee Tech soccer team's 2023 home opener, as the Mocs found a way to split the pipes in the second half to leave Tech Soccer Field with a 1-0 nod for the club's first win of the season.
A set-piece score proved to be the difference, with Birna Johannsdottir taking matters into her own hands with a corner in the 66th minute for the tilt's lone goal. The 5-foot-6 senior lined up the attempt and twisted her try into the back of the net to give Chattanooga (1-1-0) the edge nearly midway through the second half.
Johansdottir's attempt was part of a busy Moc attack in the second half that saw UTC take 11 shots after intermission following just three tires in the first stanza. Chattanooga produced six shots on-goal in the second, forcing Maggie Conrad into five second-half saves and six total stops in the tilt. Caroline Ekern tabbed the clean sheet with three denials, including two in the final 45 minutes.
Neve Renwick tallied one of Tech's two shots on-target after the break with a drive in the 54th minute, while Melina Hamm was responsible for the other attempt on-point with a bid in the 60th minute. Renwick would go on to lead TTU (0-1-1) in shots with four, knotting Johannsdottir and Zoey Mize for the most in the match.
Katie Toney notched Tech's other shot on-goal behind an effort in the 37th minute for one of three tries for the McMinnville, Tenn. native. TTU produced 11 total shots, while Chattanooga had 14.
The Golden Eagles will jump back on the road with a Friday, Aug. 25 meeting at Liberty. Kickoff from Lynchburg, Va. Is set for 5 p.m. CT.
Photo by Jim Dillon
