By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
Box Score NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 3, Faulkner 0
Records: Life U, 7-0 (2-0 SSAC); Faulkner, 4-3-1 (0-2 SSAC)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Life University women's soccer team battled through a scoreless first half before erupting for three goals in the second to earn a 3-0 road victory over Faulkner on Saturday evening.
The Running Eagles came out firing from the opening whistle, nearly breaking the deadlock in the first two minutes when shots from Helen Gutierrez and Faith Martin both struck the post. Moments later, Gutierrez forced a save from Faulkner goalkeeper Mireia Ferrero Rosin, who would become a busy figure throughout the half. Life U generated 12 first-half shots and piled up eight corner kicks but could not find the finishing touch. Rosin made seven saves before halftime to hold the Running Eagles at bay.
Life U's relentless offense carried over after the break, and the breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute. Marey Helgadottir found the back of the net for her second goal of the season, slotting home a long strike off a short corner from Lilja Bjorg Olafsdottir to give the Running Eagles a 1-0 advantage. Just six minutes later, the lead doubled when Sacha Millward calmly converted a penalty kick for her team-leading seventh goal of the year. The Running Eagles then continued to press and added a third goal in the 84th minute as Phoenix Parks finished off a pass from Victoria Valles to put the match out of reach.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Life U finished with 28 total shots compared to Faulkner's 4.
- The Running Eagles held a 15-2 advantage in corner kicks.
- Three different players scored for Life U: Helgadottir, Millward, and Parks.
TURNING POINT:
- Helgadottir's strike in the 70th minute broke a scoreless tie and set the tone for Life U's dominant finish.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
