NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 1, Bethel 0
Records: Life U, 5-0; Bethel, 1-4
MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Life University women's soccer team battled to a 1-0 victory on the road Saturday morning against the Lady Cats of Bethel, preserving its undefeated record. Freshman Kayla McMillian scored her first career goal, which served as the game-winner for the Running Eagles.
Both teams had ample chances to find the back of the net in the first half. After trading shots for the first ten minutes, Life U assumed control with Sara Diaz, Phoenix Parks, Naomi Calvillo and Faith Martin all having opportunities at goal. However, the Bethel keeper stood strong in net, making multiple saves.
Elora Niederpruem had a busy first half, making seven total saves. These saves included a pair in the 45th minute as the Running Eagles clung to the 0-0 tie heading into the break.
The Lady Cats picked up right where they left off after the half time break, firing away multiple shots in the first minute of the second half. Niederpruem continued to stand tall in goal and her offense rewarded her efforts shortly after.
In the 62nd minute, freshman Kayla McMillian found the back of the net off a ball from Lilja Bjorg Olafsdottir for her first career goal, giving Life U a 1-0 lead.
Both teams continued to hunt for goals but one final save from the Life U in the 89th minutes sealed the win for the Running Eagles. Niederpruem finished with 11 saves in the contest.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Both teams had ample opportunities to score as there were 34 total shots in the game.
--The Lady Cats led in shots-on-goal, 11-7.
--Bethel had more shots than Life U in both halves.
TURNING POINT:
--Freshman Kayla McMillian came up big for the Running Eagles, scoring the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Kayla McMillian scored the lone goal of the contest.
--Lilja Bjorg Olafsdottir recorded the game-winning assist.
--Elora Niederpruem made an astounding 11 saves.
--Faith Martin led the team with three shots-on-goal.
