NEED TO KNOW
Score: Life U 3, UT Southern 1
Records: Life U, 10-0-0 (5-0 SSAC); 6-4-2 (3-2-1 SSAC)
PULASKI, Tenn. — The Life University women's soccer team picked up a big SSAC win over No.16 ranked UT Southern on Saturday afternoon. After a slow start in the first half, the Running Eagles posted three goals in the second half to claim the win.
The Firehawks dominated the majority of the first 45 minutes in Pulaski, Tenn. Holding the Running Eagles to just three shots in the half, the home squad posted seven, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Elora Niederpruem made multiple brilliant saves, tallying four in the first half. These saves included a point-blank save in the 29th minute to keep the contest level.
Just 90 seconds out of the half time break, Helen Gutierrez opened the scoring in the contest. Kayla McMillian played a ball into the box that was tapped on by Sacha Millward before Gutierrez buried the opportunity.
In the 54th minute, UT Southern was awarded a penalty kick, which the Firehawks converted to level the score line.
One minute later, Millward struck again with Ana Diaz recording the assist. A well-placed ball from Diaz off a corner kick found the head of Millward to once again put Life U in front, 2-1.
Though UT Southern continued to fire away, Millward had other plans. Dibbling nearly forty yards and fighting past the Firehawks back line, the senior forward found the back of the net for the second time in the game.
Both squads traded shots for the final minutes of the contest, but Life U maintained the 3-1 lead until the final whistle.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Both teams had plenty of chances to score as there were 34 shots in the game.
--UT Southern out shot Life U 19-15, but Running Eagles posted more shots on goal (11).
TURNING POINT:
--Helen Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 47th minute.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCE:
--Sacha Millward posted two goals and an assist in the contest.
--Elora Niederpruem had a standout game in net, making nine saves while only allowing one goal on a PK.
--Helen Gutierrez scored in the 47th minute.
--Kayla McMillian and Ana Diaz recorded assists.
