Ferrell nets first career goal, Falcons beat Rebels 1-0

COLORADO SPRINGS- With the support of Peyton Ferrell's first collegiate goal, Air Force snapped a three-match winless streak, as the Falcons outlasted UNLV in Thursday's 1-0 win.

"I thought it was an unbelievable defensive effort from our group today," said head coach Laura Busby. "It took every single player on our roster."

A scoreless, mostly back-and-forth opening half was succeeded by a blazing Air Force start to the second half. Not even three minutes into the final 45 minutes, Addie Doyle gained possession of the ball along the far side of the field. Using her speed to race down the sideline, Doyle managed to land a low cross into open space where Ferrell struck a well-placed, top-shelf strike to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.

Ferrell was credited with her first-career goal, while Doyle notched her first collegiate assist.

Now owning a one-goal advantage, the Falcons were relentlessly attacked for the remainder of the match. The Air Force defense bent, but didn't break, allowing just five shots on goal over the Rebels 19 attempts.

In the 74th minute, UNLV nearly found an equalizer after keeper Sydney Davis was forced out of the net. Freshman Ava Carpentier saved the day however, clearing the ball off the line with inches to spare.

"I said to the group that we need the 'refuse to lose' mentality for this game, and I felt like we showed that over the last 20 minutes," said Busby. "We're a bit banged up right now injury-wise, but I thought we showed our grit, determination, and heart to pull out a win tonight."

UNLV certainly made it interesting in the final seconds, as a shot was blocked and another hit off the left post, though the Falcons did just enough to secure the victory.

Thursday marks Davis' second clean sheet of 2023, as the Falcons move to 4-0-2 in their last six matches against the Rebels. As well, Air Force is now 4-1-1 in six home matches.

Next, Air Force will host Nevada on Sunday, October 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 pm MT.

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