NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 3, Cumberland (TN) 1
Records: Life U, 11-0 (5-0 SSAC); Cumberland (TN), 8-3-1
LEBANON, Tenn. — The Life University women's soccer team continued its dominant season Tuesday afternoon, remaining perfect with a 3-1 road victory over #12 Cumberland (TN) despite unfavorable weather conditions. The Running Eagles scored twice in the first half and added a third in the second to secure their 11th straight win.
The match began with immediate action as Elora Niederpruem made two early saves to deny Cumberland in the opening minutes. Freshman Kayla McMillian then provided the Running Eagles the lead in the 5th minute, slotting home her fifth goal of the season off a feed from Marey Helgadottir. The momentum continued to stay in favor of the Running Eagles as, in the 21st minute, Helen Gutierrez doubled the advantage with a composed finish. Cumberland tried to respond before the break, firing seven first-half shots, but Niederpruem held strong in net to maintain the two-goal cushion.
In the second half, both offenses stayed aggressive off the whistle despite the steady rain and challenging field conditions. Neither team capitalized on early chances before the game was delayed due to the unplayable surface. Once returning from the break, the Phoenix jumped straight into action mounting a pair of great opportunities. Despite the chances, two impressive near post saves from Niederpruem thwarted the attacks. Later on, Phoenix Parks extended the lead to 3-0 in the 73rd minute, scoring her fourth goal of the season after reentering the match just moments earlier. Cumberland (TN) finally broke through five minutes later with a goal in the 77th minute. Down the stretch, Niederpruem continued to make several crucial saves in the final 10 minutes, including stops in the 86th and 88th minutes, to lock down the win.
The Running Eagles finished with 22 total shots, 12 of which were on target, compared to 20 shots and 10 on goal for Cumberland. Reigning SSAC Defensive Player of the Week Elora Niederpruem recorded eight saves in the win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Life U outshot Cumberland 22-20 overall and 12-10 in shots on goal.
- The Running Eagles held an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.
- Three different players scored for Life U: McMillian, Gutierrez, and Parks.
- Cumberland's lone goal came in the 77th minute from Varela.
TURNING POINT:
- McMillian's fifth-minute strike set the tone, and Gutierrez's 21st-minute finish gave Life U firm control early.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
