Western Carolina and Lipscomb Battle to Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Season Opener Catamounts Rally Late Through Kylie White's 82nd-Minute Equalizer After Bisons Take Second-Half Lead
Nashville, TN– Western Carolina University salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Lipscomb University on Sunday in their 2025 second game of the season, with substitute Kylie White's 82nd-minute equalizer capping a thrilling back-and-forth encounter that showcased both teams' attacking intent.
The Catamounts struck first in what would become a goal-fest, capitalizing on an early opportunity in the 9th minute. Forward Milla Syska found the back of the net with a well-placed right-footed effort into the low center of goal, assisted by defender Abbie Wise to give Western Carolina the perfect start to their campaign.
However, Lipscomb responded with authority in the first half's closing stages, turning the match on its head with two goals in quick succession. Substitute Chloe Iliff leveled the score in the 38th minute, converting a low left-footed strike into the bottom left corner following excellent buildup play from Jaide-Simone Prejean. Just three minutes later, another substitute, Skylar Cole, completed the turnaround with a clinical right-footed finish to the low center, set up by midfielder Bella Carapazza's precise assist.
The tactical battle intensified in the second half, with both coaches making significant personnel changes. Western Carolina's aggressive approach paid dividends as they dominated territory, outshooting Lipscomb 7-3 in the final 45 minutes while earning seven corner kicks to the visitors' three.
The Catamounts' persistence finally broke through in the 82nd minute when White, who had entered the match in the 34th minute, delivered the crucial equalizer. The midfielder's right-footed strike found the bottom right corner, with defender Samantha Whitaker providing the assist to send the home crowd into raptures.
Statistically, the match lived up to its entertaining nature. Lipscomb edged the shot count 18-15 but Western Carolina matched their opponents' intensity throughout. Both goalkeepers were tested regularly, with Lipscomb's Kaãna Cesar making four saves while Western Carolina's Leanne Trudel was forced into six stops, including a crucial save just moments before White's equalizer that kept her team's comeback hopes alive.
The disciplinary side remained relatively controlled despite the match's intensity, with only three yellow cards issued – two to Western Carolina players Abbie Wise and Ava Robitaille, and one to Lipscomb's Bella Carapazza in the 54th minute.
Both teams demonstrated impressive squad depth, with Lipscomb making strategic substitutions that initially paid dividends through Iliff and Cole's first-half goals. Western Carolina's coaching staff showed equal tactical acuity, with their second-half adjustments creating the pressure that ultimately yielded White's dramatic equalizer.
The result leaves both programs with valuable momentum heading into their respective campaigns. For Western Carolina, the comeback showed character and resilience that could prove vital in conference play. Lipscomb, meanwhile, will take confidence from their ability to seize control in crucial moments, even if they couldn't quite see out the victory.
As both teams continue their 2025 campaigns, this opening encounter provided an entertaining glimpse of what promises to be an exciting season of Division I women's soccer.
Key Players
- Kylie White (Western Carolina) - Delivered the crucial 82nd-minute equalizer with a perfectly placed right-footed strike, showcasing her impact as a substitute
- Chloe Iliff (Lipscomb) - Made an immediate impact off the bench with the 38th-minute equalizer and continued to threaten throughout her time on the pitch
- Leanne Trudel (Western Carolina) - Commanded her penalty area with six saves including a vital stop moments before the equalizer to keep her team in the match