NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 1, Maryville 0
Records: Piedmont, 13-4-4; Maryville, 11-7-2

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - KAYLEE KING's 52nd minute rocket proved to be the difference as the Piedmont women's soccer team advanced past Maryville, 1-0, on Friday afternoon in the USA South Tournament Semifinals in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

For the second consecutive season, King netted a game winner in a 1-0 win against Maryville in the USA South Tournament. This past spring, her free kick goal proved to be the difference in this past spring's West Division Tournament Final.



Piedmont earned the victory despite totaling just three shots, compared to 10 for the Scots. However, it made them count, as it now has three consecutive 1-0 victories over Maryville in USA South postseason play.

After being named USA South Goalkeeper of the Year last week, freshman LAILA ALLEN delivered her second straight shutout to start the postseason, totaling four critical saves in the contest.

In the first half, the game was mostly a defensive struggle, as the Lady Lions were held without a single shot in the first 45 minutes.

However, coming out of halftime, a Piedmont surge led to the only goal it needed.

After a Maryville goal kick, a 50-50 ball was won by MANDY WEINHART, who headed it over to King, where the junior left-footer made one defender miss before unleashing the game-deciding missile, to the top of the net from outside the box and over the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper.

With over 35 minutes left and a 1-0 lead to hold, the Lady Lions turned to their outstanding defense, which delivered its 13th shutout of the season.

Up next, the Lady Lions will play for its first USA South Tournament Title since 2018. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. against the winner of the second semifinal matchup, between Covenant and Methodist.

TURNING POINT:
- For the second consecutive season, King delivered the decisive blow in postseason play against Maryville, as her 52nd minute rocket was the only goal of the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- King's goal marks the second straight game in which she has scored and now brings her to five goals for the season, good for first on the team.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- Piedmont has now won three straight games against Maryville, all by one goal margins.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here