NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 2, Tennessee Wesleyan 0
Records: Life U, 18-2-1; Tennessee Wesleyan, 15-3
AUSTELL, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team advanced to the Round of 16 in the NAIA National Tournament with a win over the Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan. The Running Eagles got a first half goal from Sacha Millward while Helen Gutierrez added a late insurance goal.
Life U had the first real chance in the contest just minutes in. A poor foul from the Bulldogs gave the Running Eagles offense a free kick in a dangerous spot. However, the opportunity yielded no results as the cross only found the wall.
Tennessee Wesleyan forced an early save out of Elora Niederpruem in the 9th minute, which was the only shot on the goal for the Bulldogs in the first half. The teams battled for position for the majority of the half, with Life U having a pair of good looks midway through.
To the surprise of none, Sacha Millward opened the scoring in the contest. Following a shot off the post from Phoenix Parks, and a second shot from Kayla McMillian that was blocked, the loose ball in the box made its way to Millward. The SSAC Golden Boot winner did not waste the opportunity, burying the opening goal of the contest in the 34th minute.
Though there was late pressure, Life U carried the 1-0 lead into the break. The Running Eagles posted 11 shots in the first 45 while Tennessee Wesleyan had just two.
Both teams traded opportunities out of the break as the Running Eagles hunted an insurance goal. Helen Gutierrez provided the insurance in the 68th minute. After a throw in from Marey Helgadottir, Gutierrez knocked the ball around the Bulldogs back line, finishing the left-footed strike into the bottom corner for a 2-0 lead.
From there, Life U dominated the possession and limited the chances for the Bulldogs to get back into the contest. At the final whistle, the Running Eagles closed out a 2-0 victory, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16 in Pensacola, Fla.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Life U out shot the Bulldogs 20-4.
--The Running Eagles had four corners to the one of Tennessee Wesleyan.
--There was one lone card in the contest.
TURNING POINT:
--Sacha Millward left her mark, giving the Running Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.
UP NEXT:
The Running Eagles advance to the final site of the NAIA Tournament, with the Round of 16 set to begin on Monday, Dec. 1.
