Lenoir-Rhyne 3, Francis Marion 2: three second-half answers reversed the deficit

WOMEN’S SOCCER · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 · RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Executive brief

Lenoir-Rhyne recovered from a two-goal halftime deficit to win at Francis Marion. Mya Rivera scored twice before Kennedy Flowers supplied the late winner. [1]

Official data — match profile

Official match statistics. [1]

Decisive stretches

Isabella Fregoso scored at 10:01 and Matea Bradfield at 11:18, both assisted by Tehya Dave. Rivera answered at 58:01 and 76:53, with Isabella Zicchinolfi assisting both goals. Flowers completed the turnaround at 87:57 from Krista Nielsen’s assist. [1]

Player impact

Rivera and Zicchinolfi formed the recorded scoring connection on both equalizing steps. Flowers provided the final finish, and Alison Little made two saves for the Bears. Dave’s two early assists established the advantage that Francis Marion could not retain. [1]

Mayberry’s take

The Patriots’ opening pair arrived only 1:17 apart and put the Bears in a difficult position early. Lenoir-Rhyne’s response required several successful actions across the second half rather than one isolated break.

The winning goal left just 2:03 in regulation, sharply limiting Francis Marion’s opportunity to answer. The Bears also finished with six more corners despite fewer total shots, showing another source of attacking opportunity without proving possession dominance.

For Lenoir-Rhyne, the useful standard is sustained response while still reviewing the early concessions. Francis Marion can retain its productive opening connections but must address how the two-goal advantage disappeared without a further scoring reply.

Conference context

Lenoir-Rhyne moved to 2–1 overall and remained 0–0 in SAC play. Francis Marion stood 1–1. This was nonconference competition. [1]