October 9, 2023

Pivotal league match for C-N in Harrogate

Trailing Lincoln Memorial (7-3-2, 3-1-2) by just one point in the South Atlantic Conference standings, Carson-Newman (4-4-2, 3-3-1) makes the trip up to Harrogate looking to secure three points Wednesday afternoon.

Carson-Newman

5-4-2, 4-3-1

Lincoln Memorial

7-4-2, 3-2-2

Final	1	2	T
Carson-Newman (5-4-2, 4-3-1)	2	0	2
Lincoln Memorial (7-4-2, 3-2-2)	0	1	1

VIDEO: Carson-Newman vs Lincoln Memorial 2022 Highlights

C-N Match Notes (PDF)

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Trailing Lincoln Memorial (7-3-2, 3-1-2) by just one point in the South Atlantic Conference standings, Carson-Newman (4-4-2, 3-3-1) makes the trip up to Harrogate looking to secure three points Wednesday afternoon.

Carson-Newman has played one more match than LMU, but trails by just one point in the SAC table entering the match tomorrow afternoon. The Eagles are .500 in league play, with one tie, while the Railsplitters are 3-1-2. If the season ended today, both clubs would make the SAC tournament, but both would have to travel for the quarterfinal match.

Surprisingly different from previous years, Carson-Newman has a better road record than home record this season. Entering the season, C-N lost just eight home matches under head coach Simon Duffy and have three this season. On the road, it's been much better, going 2-1-2 with the lone road loss coming against Wingate one month ago, increasing the overall tally under Duffy to 28-12-6.

The Eagles barely escaped with a win in 2022. They scored twice in the final ten minutes of the match to defeat at the time, the one-win Railsplitters last season. Carson-Newman dominated several offensive categories in the win, outshooting LMU 17-6 and recorded eight more corners as well. Last year's two goal difference was the first match between the two schools not decided by one goal since LMU knocked C-N out of the SAC tournament in 2018. 15 of the 32 all-time meetings have a one goal or less difference. The Eagles lead the all-time series 19-10-3 and are 9-3-1 when traveling to Harrogate.

Carson-Newman is trying to get back on track after falling to #22 Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday and avoid a second two-game losing streak this season. Under Duffy, C-N has never had multiple two-game losing streaks in a single season. One must go back to the 2014 season to find multiple losing streaks for C-N.

After winning just four games in 2022, Lincoln Memorial has been impressive this season with a 7-3-2 overall record and a 3-1-2 record in SAC matches.

Prior to a 3-1 loss to Catawba on Saturday, LMU had previously been on a four-match unbeaten streak in league play, with wins over Newberry, Tusculum, and Coker. Lincoln Memorial has been tough to beat at home. It sports a 4-1-1 home record, with the lone loss coming to a nationally ranked Columbus State on September 10th. Half of LMU's 12 matches have just two goals or less scored by both teams.

Alicia Bevins paces the LMU attack with a team high four goals, three assists on 13 shots on goal. Six other Splitters have scored a goal for an offense that ranks 7th in the SAC. Goalkeeper Bente Latenstein has the third most saves in the league with 44, and the fifth-best goals against average mark of 1.00. LMU's defense ranks fourth in goals allowed (13) and shutouts (4).

Kick off is set for 1:00 p.m. from LMU Soccer Complex. The game can be streamed on FloSports with a subscription. Fans can also follow along to @CN_Eagles on Twitter and Instagram for in-game updates.