Game Preview
The Western Carolina women's soccer team will host East Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Catamount Athletic Complex in Cullowhee, N.C., with free admission and a live stream on ESPN+. The matchup arrives after a week of rest for the Catamounts, who fell 4-0 to 16th‑ranked Tennessee in their last outing.
East Carolina comes into the contest winless, having been shut out three times already this season and sitting at 0‑2‑3 overall. Their most recent game was a 4‑0 loss to Appalachian State on Senior Night, while the Catamounts posted a 0‑1‑1 road stretch that included a scoreless draw at Appalachian State before the Tennessee defeat.
Historic Rivalry
The two programs have met 12 times, with Western Carolina trailing 1‑8‑2 in the all‑time series. Their last two encounters ended in draws, a 1‑1 tie in 2023 and a 0‑0 stalemate earlier this year, underscoring the competitiveness of the rivalry.
Key Players to Watch
Offensively, Gabriela Vatrano leads the Catamounts, having opened the season with two goals against Winthrop, while midfielders Malia Roberts and Samantha Vibberts have each contributed multiple shots. The squad also includes Lauryn Taylor, Amara Yetka, Elizabeth Rupert, Caroline Simpkins, Darien Vita and Lauryn Smith, who add depth to the lineup. On the Pirates' side, junior forward AJ Mayock tops the scoring chart with ten attempts, and five other Pirates share the team lead in goals.
The game forms part of a busy stretch for Western Carolina, which will next entertain ACC rival NC State on Thursday, Sept. 3, before heading to West Georgia, Miami (OH), and UNCG later in the month.
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere in Cullowhee, where the team’s recent performances have sparked renewed optimism despite the early‑season challenges.