The Spring Arbor University women's soccer team was in need of a crucial MCC win against the University of St. Francis Cougars on Wednesday. After 90 minutes of play, SAU came out with a hard fought 1-0 victory.
In the first half, both teams came out urgently looking for a goal. Spring Arbor kept possession of the ball, but St. Francis proved to be a high-pressure team who gave the Cougars some trouble at times. In a physical contest, SAU had some good chances early in the first half but finally found the back of the net in the 32nd minute. Defender Jalese DeBiasi got on the end of a loose ball and sent a service into the top of the penalty area where Heidi Sharp flicked the ball on to Kristin Abbott. Abbott rocked a left-footed volley past the USF keeper for the game winning goal and her sixth tally of the season.
The second half began with a series of physical challenges by both teams. Senior goalkeeper Flo Atar came up with a pair of saves for the Cougars to preserve the lead. Meanwhile, the Cougars continued to look for the net. Sophomore Ali Nichols' header grazed the top of the crossbar and senior Cristi Dodge got on the end of a few close headers as well. Spring Arbor had three glorious one on one chances with the USF goalkeeper after dissecting the hosts' defense with some precision passing. Unfortunately for the Cougars, big saves and near misses were the story of the day for USF goalkeeper Emma McCoy. In spite of creating the better chances, the Cougars just couldn't seem to find the additional goal that they were looking for.
"We played tough today," commented SAU head coach Jason Crist. "We did not do a good job of maintaining our composure in some dangerous attacking situations that we were able to create. If we maintain our composure in those situations, this could have been a three or four goal result for us. As it is, we are very happy to get a road win against a tough opponent, and we will begin preparing for Bethel."
SAU looks forward to their next game on Friday, October 23, away at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m.
