MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Life University women's soccer team battled in the Southern States Athletic Conference semifinals Wednesday afternoon, narrowly defeating the RV Knights from Middle Georgia 2-1.
Prior to the semifinal matchup, the Running Eagles (8-5-2, 5-2-1 SSAC) earned a first-round bye with the two-seed. The women's team clinched the first round in the regular season finale, ending the season just ahead of the three-seeded Knights from Middle Georgia (10-7-2, 5-2-1 SSAC), after tie breaks.
To begin the semifinal contest, the Running Eagles jumped out of the gates with an initial press that proved detrimental as a big clearance and a pass behind the Life U. defense put Middle Georgia on the break. The ensuing possession and shot at the 57-second mark snuck in the net, pushing the Knights ahead less than a minute into the game, 1-0.
After that, the two teams both created chances as Grace Staunton ripped a Middle Georgia header off the line in the 32nd minute.
Just before the halftime horn blew, the Running Eagles were able to tie the contest, as Lilja Olafsdottir lobbed a perfectly weighted through ball behind the defense putting Anakah Madril in on goal. Next, the Second-Team All-Conference midfielder struck a left-footed half-volley into the net to level the contest with just two seconds remaining in the half.
In the second half, the Running Eagles would start with instant offense as Thora Hreggvidsdottir fired consecutive shots in the 48th and 50th minute, both getting saved by defensive blocks.
The Running Eagles then continued to pile pressure in the contest, sending a total of six shots on goal, three of those coming in the second half.
Life University's go-ahead and the eventual game-winning goal came off the boot of Agnes Birta Stefansdottir, who ripped a shot from outside the box, upper ninety. The game-winning goal was assisted by Lilja Olafsdottir, her second assist of the contest, 2-1.
After the goal in the 61st minute, the Knights began to ramp up their offense, attempting to tie the match with several more attempts over the final 20 minutes of play. A dangerous header toward net nearly leveled the contest in the 79th minute, but it flew just high, landing on top of the net.
Grace Staunton earned the win in net, recording three saves, including the crucial goal-line save in the first half. Interim Head Coach Matthew Perry shared his thoughts postgame.
"What a great spirit from the girls today! We made it hard for ourselves with a poor start, but proud of the reaction!" said Perry. "All credit to Middle Georgia, they made it very difficult for us. Quick turnaround for Friday but the girls will give 100% and we look forward to a chance at our first title as a program."
Up next, the Running Eagles will face #5 William Carey in the 2022 SSAC Women's Soccer Championship. Kickoff on Friday is set for 5 PM EST.
