Score: Life U 4, Thomas 1
Records: Life U, 12-0 (6-0 SSAC); Thomas, 5-8-1 (2-4 SSAC)
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team stayed unbeaten Friday evening, earning a 4-1 win over Thomas University at Lupo Family Field to improve to 12-0 overall and 6-0 in SSAC play. The Running Eagles struck early and controlled the match from start to finish, scoring all four goals in the first half before seeing out another strong home performance.
Life U opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Phoenix Parks found the back of the net to give the Running Eagles the early advantage. Just minutes later, Parks provided the assist on Helen Gutierrez's goal in the 19th minute to double the lead. The offensive pressure continued as reigning NAIA Offensive Player of the Week Sacha Millward converted a penalty kick in the 42nd minute. The standout striker then added her second goal just before halftime off a feed from Odalis Tapia to make it 4-0 at the break.
The Running Eagles' defense and goalkeeper tandem of Elora Niederpruem and Justine Candel held Thomas to just four shots on goal, but the Night Hawks capitalized on a late penalty in the 85th minute. Candel made three second-half saves in relief.
Life U finished with a 24-9 advantage in total shots and an 11-4 edge in shots on goal, while also dominating on set pieces with a 16-1 margin in corner kicks.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Life U outshot Thomas 24-9 overall and 11-4 in shots on goal.
- The Running Eagles earned 16 corner kicks compared to one for Thomas.
- Four different players contributed to goals: Parks, Gutierrez, Millward (2), and Tapia (assist).
- Candel finished with three saves in 45 minutes of action.
TURNING POINT
Life U's quick three-goal burst between the 16th and 45th minutes set the tone for the match, giving the Running Eagles full control before halftime.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
