The Blues returned to WPSL play Tuesday night with a 2-1 comeback win against Women’s Football Club of Charlotte. 

The ladies in blue did not get the start they planned as the WFC of Charlotte team successfully attacked in the first minute. Morgan Hart, University of Georgia soccer commit, scored the first goal for Charlotte. 

Asheville City struggled to dominate the field during the first half, but saw glimpses of hope with chances from Makena Silber, Sarah Jacobs, and Chloe McCleary-Small. Defensively, University of Virginia goalkeeper Michaela Moran saved what would have been a devastating blow in the 25th minute. 

In the beginning of the second half, the ladies attempted but couldn’t quite capitalize on several chances for goals. However, by the end of 90 minutes the game had changed drastically. 

“You could feel the momentum change in the second half. It took us a while to adjust to how the other team came out. But, it just goes to show that teams can change tremendously in the summer league and in the off season,” head coach Carolyn Wahaftig said. 

Notably, UNC Asheville senior Gillian Oyos held down the fort offensively. In the 49th minute she just missed a shot wide of the net and later in the 53rd minute she had another just-missed chance. Her speed was a challenge for WFC of Charlotte to catch up to. 

After much patience, an opportunity for the Blues happened in the 77th minute as Molly Dwyer strongly propelled the Blues forward with an unassisted goal to bring the match to a 1-1 tie. 

Not even five minutes later, Gillian Oyos was able to capitalize on her offensive momentum with her first goal of the season bringing the Blues to a 2-1 lead. 

“I want us to be the team that works and puts effort forward and Gillian was just the epitome of that tonight,” Wahaftig said. “She was just flying all over the field and throwing her body around. She just proved herself as a tremendous competitor.” 

With this win, the Blues remain in 2nd place in the Southern Division of the Carolinas Conference with a perfect record. The ladies in blue return Saturday June 12th, away against the South Carolina United Bantams. The Bantams own a 1-1 record on the season so far.