NEED TO KNOW
Score: Life University 3, Thomas 0
Records: Life U, 16-1-1 (9-1 SSAC); Thomas, 8-10-1 (5-5 SSAC)
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team advanced in the SSAC tournament on Friday night, taking down the No. 7 seeded Nighthawks of Thomas by a final score of 3-0.
It took just minutes in Marietta for the scoring to begin. After receiving a ball over the top from the midfield area from Marey Helgadottir, forward Sacha Millward chipped the Nighthawks keeper for her 24th goal of the season.
Life U continued to have all the pressure in the half, with Thomas not seeing its first real chance until the 25th minute of the contest. However, despite the look inside the 18, Elora Niederpruem stood tall, making the easy save.
The Running Eagles nearly doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, with Helen Gutierrez and Faith Martin having back-to-back shots blocked inside the six before Helgadottir narrowly missed the mark.
It appeared as if Life U would carry just a 1-0 lead into the half time break. However, with just 29 seconds left in the half, Helgadottir once again swung a ball into the box, this time finding Gutierrez, who made it 2-0.
Taking the 2-0 lead to the break, Life dominated the first 45 minutes, out shooting the visitors 22-3 and had ten corner opportunities to the zero from Thomas.
The second half mirrored the first, with Life U dominating the chances and possession. In the 64th minute, the Running Eagles capitalized on one of the many corner opportunities, adding an insurance goal. Ana Diaz swung a beautiful ball towards the back post, where Millward headed home her second goal of the contest.
Though Thomas had good chances in the second half, including a header and shot off the cross bar, the Nighthawks remained unable to finish off the plays. The last minutes became a formality as Life U closed out the contest with a 3-0 win. Niederpruem had an excellent game in goal, making six saves.
Up next, the Running Eagles advance to the semifinals of the SSAC Tournament in Montogomery, Ala. on Thursday, Nov. 6.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U posted an astounding 37 shots in the contest.
--The Running Eagles had 20 corner opportunities.
TURNING POINT:
--Marey Helgadottir found Helen Gutierrez with a ball over the top to make it 2-0 with just 29 seconds left in the first half.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
