MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team battled in the Southern States Athletic Conference semifinals Wednesday afternoon earning an upset win over the University of Tennessee Southern 1-0 after a Rebecca Noren free soared into the back of the net.
Prior to the semifinal matchup, the Running Eagles (12-3-2, 8-1-1 SSAC) earned a win in the quarterfinal after an impressive 5-0 win over the University of Mobile last week.
The semifinal matchup was an entirely different story though as the opening half saw both teams play impressive compact defense. Both squads had quality looks on goal during regulatio but remained scoreless after 90 minutes of play. UTS led in shots 11-6 heading to the extra period.
Overtime began with the same intensity from both sides with both teams running on pure adrenaline and desire as ten of the 22 starters played all 110 ten minutes. Despite the determination and quality possession in the attacking halves, teither the Firehawks nor the Running Eagles were able to get a shot off in the first ten-minutes of OT. Heading to the final ten minutes, the Running Eagles took advantage of a free kick as Rebecca Noren's sensational free kick snuck just under the crossbar to provide Life U the all-important of ahead goal.
With a 1-0 lead and just nine minutes to play in the second installment of overtime, the Running Eagles would see two shots land on target, but Grace Staunton stood tall in the net garnering two important saves.
All in all, Staunton recorded seven saves in the contest while Noren's free kick in the 101st minute was all that was needed for Life U to hold on and gain the win.
Up next, the Running Eagles have a tall task ahead facing #1 William Carey in the 2023 SSAC Women's Soccer Championship. Kickoff on Friday against the undefeated (18-0) Crusaders is set for 5 PM EST.
