MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life University women's soccer team squeezed out a win in the final seconds Saturday afternoon, as Anakah Madril scored a last second goal to complete her hat trick and provide the Running Eagles their first win in the 2023 season.
The Running Eagles (1-1) were the first ones on the board in the first half as Madril capitalized early on in the 7th minute for her first goal of the season off an Lilja Bjorg Olafsdottir assist. More than doubling the opportunities that the Cavaliers had in the first half, an opportunity and cross into the box was finished by Montreat in the 41st minute to send the game to halftime knotted at one apiece.
Shortly after the halftime whistle, the Cavaliers gained the lead just minutes after intermission to move ahead 2-1.
Despite being down, the Running Eagles continued to pile on the pressure throughout the second half, hitting the post once and forcing five saves before eventually breaking through.
With defeat on the horizon, a poorly cleared corner landed on the foot of Madril who fired a strike into the upper left-hand corner to tie the contest in the 85th minute.
With the game all but settled, both teams scrambled to create chances with graduate student Anakah Madril finding the ball at her feet with less than 10 seconds to play. The stellar midfielder earned the game-winning goal with just four seconds remaining on the clock after sending a left footed inswinger from the top of the box into the top left corner.
Overall, the Running Eagles had 30 shots to Montreat's eleven in the contest. In goal, Grace Staunton tabbed six saves.
TURNING POINT:
-- Madril's game-winner in the 90th minute left the Running Eagles rejoicing in their home-opening win.
Head coach Meg Goddard shared her thoughts on the win and the fantastic individual effort from Madril, stating, "The first win of the season is always a good feeling. We learned a tough lesson about needing to finish our chances today… almost came back to haunt us." Goddard then continued, "An unreal effort from Anakah today, a deserved hat trick for her desire to not quit."
Up next, the Running Eagles will travel to Talladega College this Tuesday, September 5th
