NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Life U 2, Truett McConnell 1

Records: Life U, 15-4-2; Truett McConnell, 18-3-2

FOLEY, Ala. - The Life U women's soccer team escaped a first-half draw and stormed past Truett McConnell University for a 2-1 victory in the NAIA National Championship Tournament Round of 16 on a windy afternoon in Foley.

Lilja Bjorg Olafsdottir delivered both goals in the second half, turning the draw into a win and leading Life U into the quarterfinals.

QUARTERFINALS HERE WE COME 🥳@LifeUWSOC team defeats #20 Truett McConnell in the @NAIA Round of 16 and is now heading to the next round! pic.twitter.com/2FbzMddk2F

— Life Running Eagles (@LifeUAthletics) November 28, 2023

Life U and TMU evenly played the first half with only two shots being put up by both teams. 

Out of halftime, the Running Eagles stunned the Bears, as Marey Helgadottir sent a pass over to Olafsdotttir who then broke the scoreless tie and gave Life U the lead 1-0. 

However, the Running Eagles were not done yet, just over 12 minutes later, a pass again from Helgadottir and Lavinia Horning finding Olafsdottir right by the goal. The sophomore beautifully directed it right into the goal and gave the Running Eagles an exciting 2-0 lead.

Shortly after, TMU was able to get a goal off in the 66' minute, but it was not enough for the Bears and the Running Eagles went back into a defensive structure and held the 2-1 lead the rest of the way.  

Speaking with @LifeUWSOC Head Coach Meg Goddard after a great Sweet 16 win over #20 Truett McConnell at the @NAIA Women's Soccer National Tournament! pic.twitter.com/pz2JwcMfY4

— Life Running Eagles (@LifeUAthletics) November 28, 2023

Up next, the Running Eagles will continue their journey in the NAIA National Championship Tournament taking on the defending National Champions #2 Spring Arbor University on Thursday Nov. 30th 5pm est.  

TURNING POINT:

- Olafsdottir scored twice in a 12-minute span in the second half to give enough of a lead to seal the win.