Athenians Sweep 2022 Riverwalk Rivalry with 3-0 Road Win

(CIBOLO, June 17, 2022) - The high-powered offense and robust defense of the San Antonio Athenians was on display in Cibolo on Friday night as the defending UWS Southwest Champions went on the road to take on the SA Runners in the second game of the Riverwalk Rivalry this season. The game was played at Cibolo Multi-Event Center, where the Athenians themselves played home games in the 2019 UWS season. The game was also marked by another return for the Athenians, with Briana Woodall’s addition to the squad being announced prior to the game. The midfielder from Kingwood, TX was an all-UWS selection with San Antonio in 2019 and was most recently playing in Austria with SPG Altach/FFC Vorderland.

The Athenians started the game with two changes from the team that beat CTX 9-0 in the last game, with team captains Sarah Bayhi and Ashley Newland both returning to the lineup. With the chance to move into first place in the UWS Southwest, the team came out motivated and ready to extend their winning streak to 3. 

In the opening moments, the Athenians had a pair of chances from corner kicks, with both Keeley Ayala and Jillian Martinez getting shots on target but blocked to keep it scoreless. In the 18th minute, the Athenians worked it into the box once again and amongst the scramble, Ayala, Bretzer, and Wannamaker all had shots blocked or saved by Runners’ GK Raean Garcia. Heading into the hydration break, the Athenians had controlled possession and created chance, but the goal had still eluded them.

Coming out of the break, a Keeley Ayala shot produced a corner kick in the 27th minute, and in the wake of that corner, Emma Bates picked up the ball in midfield and passed it ahead to Jillian Martinez, who was able to turn and beat her defender before firing a dipping shot from outside the box that evaded Garcia and hit the net for 1-0. The goal was the 3rd of the season for the Texas Tech midfielder.

In the final moments of the second half, Bates lined up a free kick from the Athenians’ right side, about 40 yards from goal. The Australian sent the ball into the penalty area off her left foot and found Sierra Wannamaker, who was able to nod it home to double the lead as the halftime whistle sounded. Wannamaker now leads the Athenians with 5 goals on the season, with all 5 coming in the last 3 games.

The second half went according to plan for the Purple and White, as they controlled possession and continued to create chances. Eve Clarkson was unlucky not to get her first Athenians goal on multiple occasions coming up for corner kicks throughout the half.

By the 60th minute, 4 substitutes had made their way onto the field, with Bushnell, Wright, Woodall, and Piper providing energy off the bench. In the 64th minute, it was 3 of the substitutes that were able to combine to get the third goal, with Olivia Wright turning and playing the ball down the line for Woodall, who marked her return to theAthenians with a perfect assist for Jade Piper at the back post, who scored her second goal in as many games. 

In the 65th minute, the Runners had their best chance of the game, with Kalea Naniloa Ajel hitting the crossbar. For the final 25 minutes, both teams made plenty of changes, and Athenians fans were treated to an all-Athenians NEXT midfield of Tori Foster, Ella Hammonds, and Brooke Martinez to close out the game.

In the final action of the Riverwalk Rivalry this season, Jade Piper burst into the box and was tripped, earning a penalty. The former UIW winger stepped up to take the penalty herself but saw it crash off the crossbar, meaning the game ended 3-0 in favor of the visitors. 

With the win, the Athenians moved into first place in the UWS Southwest ahead of FC Austin Elite on goal differential, with Austin set to play Wilco FC on Sunday in Roundrock. Next up for the Athenians will be a trip to Roundrock to play Wilco FC, who they defeated 3-0 at home earlier this season. Kickoff is set for 8:00 on Friday at Roundrock MPC.

Watch the goals and highlights HERE!

Scoring Summary:

SAA: 1-0, Jillian Martinez (Emma Bates assist) 29’

SAA: 2-0, Sierra Wannamaker (Emma Bates assist) 45’

SAA: 3-0, Jade Piper (Bri Woodall assist) 64’

###