NEED TO KNOW
Score: Life University 5, Dalton State 0
Records: Life U, 16-1-1 (10-1 SSAC); Dalton State, 10-7-1 (5-6 SSAC)
DALTON, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team capped off the best regular season in program history Sunday afternoon, blanking Dalton State 5-0 on the road at Dalton Stadium. The victory marked the Running Eagles' 16th win of the season and 10th in SSAC play — both program bests — as they head into the postseason with strong momentum.
Life U set the tone immediately, exploding for four goals in the opening 17 minutes. Phoenix Parks opened the scoring less than a minute in, then doubled the lead moments later off an assist from Sacha Millward. Millward added a goal of her own in the 16th minute before Faith Martin made it 4-0 just 39 seconds later, assisted by Victoria Valles.
The offense didn't slow down after halftime, as Kayla McMillian tallied Life's fifth goal in the 52nd minute to close out another commanding performance. The Running Eagles held a 30-8 advantage in total shots and an 18-4 edge in shots on goal, while goalkeepers Elora Niederpruem and Justine Candel combined for the clean sheet. Niederpruem made three saves in 75 minutes, with Candel adding one stop in relief.
The Running Eagles also dominated set pieces, earning 11 corner kicks and limiting the Roadrunners to none.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Life U outshot Dalton State 30-8 overall and 18-4 in shots on goal.
- The Running Eagles earned 11 corner kicks while Dalton State had none.
- Phoenix Parks led the way with two goals, while Millward, Martin, and McMillian each added one.
- Victoria Valles and Sacha Millward tallied assists.
- Goalkeepers Niederpruem and Candel combined for four saves in the shutout.
TURNING POINT
Life U's four-goal burst in the first 17 minutes put the match out of reach early, allowing the Running Eagles to dictate tempo and coast to a convincing road victory.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
