MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team continued its undefeated start to the season in emphatic fashion Wednesday evening, rolling past Point University 8–1 at Lupo Family Field to open conference play at 1–0.
Despite Life U controlling the tempo early, it was Point that struck first in the 27th minute when Naomi Tilley found the net to put the visitors ahead 1–0. That lead lasted just 27 seconds, as Phoenix Parks immediately answered on the other end, finishing a tap-in created off a cross from Helen Gutierrez after a driven through ball from Lilja Bjorg Olafsdottir.
That equalizer sparked a surge from the Running Eagles, who seized control with two more goals before the break. In the 30th minute, Gutierrez tallied her first of the night off a setup from Marey Helgadottir, the talented transfer then doubled her tally in the 42nd minute to send Life U into halftime with a 3–1 advantage.
The offensive onslaught then continued after the restart as Parks netted her second of the match just three minutes into the second half, again assisted by Gutierrez. Gutierrez then completed her hat trick in the 54th minute to stretch the lead to 5–1. Victoria Valles then struck in the 59th minute off another double-assist from the backline through to Gutierrez, again from Olafsdottir. Valles then turned and found Sacha Millward in the box to continue and grow lead, 7–1.
Freshman Ella Nuzum capped the scoring in the 74th minute, finishing a buildup from Sienna Strapp and Armani Flewellen to seal the 8–1 result.
The Running Eagles controlled the match entirely, dominating statistically, outshooting Point 20–5, including a 13–3 edge in shots on goal. Life U also earned eight corner kicks compared to the lone corner from Point. Gutierrez led the way with a spectacular performance, pouring in three goals and three assists on five shots, while Parks notched a brace. Valles added a goal and an assist, with Millward and Nuzum each adding one goal apiece. Helgadottir dished out a team-high three assists, while Olafsdottir contributed two.
Goalkeeper Elora Niederpruem made two saves in 74 minutes of work, while Justine Candel closed out the final 16 minutes as the Life U defense held Point without a shot for the entire second half. A total of 22 Running Eagles saw action in the win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Life U outshot Point 20–5 (13–3 on goal)
- Running Eagles scored 5 goals in a 19-minute span
- Life U earned 8 corner kicks to Point's 1
- 22 Running Eagles saw action in the win
TURNING POINT:
- Phoenix Parks scored just 27 seconds after Point's opener, sparking an eight-goal surge
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
