Blair, Connolly pitch second combined shutout of 2023 in game of sparse chances 

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (September 14, 2023) – On a night celebrating five graduating players, the weather was perfect, and the stands were busy.  

The only thing missing was a goal.

ETSU played USC Upstate to a 0-0 draw at Summers-Taylor Stadium on Thursday night as both teams played fierce and physical defense that made it too difficult for either of them to break through for a deciding goal. 

The Bucs' (3-1-3) best chance came from Reagan Fitzgerald (Oviedo, Fla.) when she had a shot off a threatening cross from Ava Matherne (Gulf Breeze, Fla.) stopped by Cora Brendle in the 25th minute in ETSU's only shot on goal in the match. 

For the Spartans (2-1-4), top scorer Dara Russo had a promising shot deflected on a last-ditch effort by center back Madi Hook (Fareham, England) in the 27th minute, but USC Upstate could not capitalize on the ensuing corner and went to halftime without another high-quality chance against goalkeeper Rhyan Connolly (Canton, Ga.). 

The Spartans generated what little offense was had in the second half against Ashton Blair (Knoxville, Tenn.), who relieved Connolly at halftime. Their best tests of Blair came on free kicks in the final 20 minutes. Russo fired straight on from 25 yards into Blair's chest in the 72nd minute, and Margaret Edda Bjarnadottir took a nearly identical shot from a nearly identical area of the field in the 85th minute. 

The Bucs were outshot for just the second time this season, 5-4. Blair recorded three saves in her eighth career shutout, the second time she and Connolly have combined for a clean sheet this season. 

The Bucs conclude non-conference play at South Carolina State on Sunday at 2 p.m. 

For more information on ETSU women's soccer, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the women's soccer tab.