Decatur FC beats UFA Gunners 2-0

Decatur FC defeated another Southeast Conference rival with a 2-0 win over the United Futbol Academy (UFA) Gunners on May 30.

The win continues an undefeated streak for Decatur FC this season. The team is ranked first in the Southeast Conference of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). Last season, Decatur beat the Gunners in their final game 1-0, with a goal from defender Aniyah Collier in the last minute of stoppage time.

From the start Decatur FC played with momentum, attacking every ball and putting pressure on UFA, scoring its first goal about 30 seconds into the game. After a few passes in the box and a deflected shot, forward Maggie Wadsworth soared the ball past the net and into the goal, bringing the score to 1-0.

As the first half of the game progressed, Decatur FC continued playing well. UFA had a few runs and opportunities in the half, but were unable to score. Defender Micah Bryant prevented a UFA breakaway when she stole the ball from a striker she went one on one with. 

As the first half went on, Decatur FC also missed a decent amount of shots on goal, and the UFA goalkeeper saved many good shots. The momentum that the team started with was still there, but dwindled a little after they took the lead.

“It’s kind of strange … to be in the game being up so early. So you sort of go through the game knowing that you’ve already got it,” Decatur FC Coach Campbell Chapman said. “You sort of take the foot off the pedal a little bit, because we’re already leading. And at times, I think we have to have a better sense of urgency to get another goal.”

The first half ended with Decatur FC up 1-0.

UFA started off the second half creating many opportunities for themselves. Their striker had an open shot on goal into the upper corner, but it was beautifully saved by Decatur FC goalkeeper Nikki Bidun.

“This is definitely our biggest competition yet. I think we definitely stepped up, and the atmosphere was great,” Bidun said. “I’m happy with how it went, and obviously there were only a couple moments for me to really do my work. The backline did a great job.”

Decatur FC picked back up their momentum and kept creating chances to increase their lead in the second half. Forward Dylan Driver made a quick run down the left sideline and took a shot on goal, but it was saved by UFA’s keeper. There were other scoring opportunities that did not fully connect, like shots and headers that went just over the crossbar.

But one scoring opportunity made it through. During the second half, Wadsworth struck the ball past the keeper into the back of the net, making her second goal of the night. 

“I’ve been coaching Maggie since she was 15 years old, and she always has a great eye for the goal. She’s a natural goal scorer. She doesn’t panic,” Chapman said. “She’s a finisher and just scores goals. That’s what she loves to do, and that’s the reason she’s on the team.” 

The game ended with Decatur FC beating UFA 2-0, beating the toughest team they’ve been up against all season. Decatur will take on Chattanooga FC next on June 3, away in Chattanooga.