NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 4, Georgia Gwinnett 2
Records: Life U, 1-0-1; Georgia Gwinnett, 1-1-0
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University Women's Soccer team earned its first victory of the 2026 season Wednesday night, defeating #22 Georgia Gwinnett 4-2 in its home opener at Lupo Family Field. The Running Eagles overcame an early deficit, scored twice in the opening half to take the lead, and answered every Georgia Gwinnett challenge on their way to the win.
Georgia Gwinnett scored first in the 10th minute when an unfortunate own goal gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Life U responded quickly, leveling the match less than four minutes later. Phoenix Parks and Madelief Lowik combined to set up Louise Martineau, who connected on a well-struck half-volley to make it 1-1.
The Running Eagles then continued to push forward and found the go-ahead goal in the 26th minute when a Kayla McMillian service into the box forced a Georgia Gwinnett own goal, giving Life U a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.
Life U extended the margin early in the second half with a quality transition sequence. Kayla McMillian drove a low ball across the box, and Phoenix Parks met it at the back post for a 3-1 advantage in the 57th minute. Linn Joelsson earned the secondary assist on the goal.
The Grizzlies pulled back within a goal in the 75th minute when Hannah Lorenz struck a long-range effort from near midfield that dipped just underneath the crossbar, cutting the Life U lead to 3-2.
The Running Eagles answered less than four minutes later. Following a corner kick, an initial Madelief Lowik effort was saved, but the rebound fell to Caroline White, who finished from close range to restore the two-goal cushion. Life U controlled the final minutes from there to secure the 4-2 victory and open its home slate with a win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
— Life U earned its first win of the season and moved to 1-0-1 overall.
— The Running Eagles scored four goals on nine shots and put eight attempts on target.
— Georgia Gwinnett held a 20-9 advantage in total shots.
— Elora Niederpruem recorded seven saves in goal for Life U.
— Madelief Lowik led the Running Eagles with two assists.
— Louise Martineau, Phoenix Parks and Caroline White each scored, while Life U also benefitted from a Georgia Gwinnett own goal.
TURNING POINT: --After Georgia Gwinnett cut the deficit to one goal in the 75th minute, Caroline White's finish off a corner kick less than four minutes later immediately restored Life U's two-goal lead and halted the Grizzlies' momentum.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
— Louise Martineau scored for the second consecutive match, finding the equalizer with a first-half half-volley.
— Phoenix Parks contributed a goal and an assist in the victory.
— Madelief Lowik recorded a game-high two assists on the night.
— Caroline White came off the bench and scored a crucial insurance goal in the second half.
— Elora Niederpruem finished with seven saves to anchor the Running Eagles defensively.
