FLORENCE, SC - Francis Marion University junior goalkeeper Jacque Sutphin recorded four saves and the FMU defense posted its third straight shutout as the Patriots stunned Western Carolina University with a 0-0 tie, Friday afternoon (Sept. 22) in women’s soccer action.

Francis Marion, which played only two substitutes, extended its unbeaten streak to six matches and is now 4-3-2.  Western Carolina, the defending Southern Conference tournament champion and an NCAA Tournament participant last season, falls to 4-4-1.

Through its first 11 seasons, totaling 206 matches, Francis Marion had never played to a 0-0 deadlock. Friday’s result was the second consecutive scoreless tie for the Patriots, as FMU tied the College of Charleston 0-0 on the road last Tuesday.

Western Carolina outshot Francis Marion 9-7, although three of the Catamount shots came in the opening 17 minutes when WCU held the ball exclusively in its attacking end.

The Catamounts also had a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks. 

Francis Marion had two scoring opportunities in the 32nd minute following the Patriots’ lone corner kick. Forward Brandi Sutphin had her header stopped by a Western Carolina defender and on the rebound Brittany Rothenbach fired a short shot that went off the back of the head of a Catamount player at the mouth of the goal.

An 18-yard shot by Rothenbach in the 57th minute looped just over the crossbar and onto the top of the goal.

A shot by Western Carolina’s Bri Cunningham at 85:00 was pushed over the crossbar by (Jacque) Sutphin, and at 102:45, Sutphin stopped a 10-yard shot by Nikki Lombardo.

Sutphin ran her scoreless streak in goal to 317:34 with her fifth career blanking. Western Carolina senior Alesha Row made three stops and in the process tied former WCU keeper Mandi Tinsley (1999-01) for the school-record of 18 career shutouts.

FMU will play host to East Carolina University, Sunday at 1 p.m. on YMCA Youth Soccer Day. All players in the YMCA Youth Soccer Leagues are invited to attend the match and wear their uniform. The first 50 YMCA youth players attending the match will be presented with a ticket for a free hot dog and drink.