Lions Shut Out Lincoln Memorial
Mars Hill used a late first half goal and strong second half defense for a 1-0 win on Wednesday
HARROGATE, TENN.- Julia Johnson's late first half goal combined with a strong defensive showing in the second half would be all the Mars Hill women's soccer team would need in a 1-0 shutout of Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday afternoon. Mars Hill improves to 4-11 and 2-7 in the South Atlantic Conference while Lincoln Memorial falls to 4-7-3 and 2-5-2.
"The team did great today!" head coach Ken Miller said. "I am proud of everyone's commitment defensively and in the attack."
With six seconds remaining in the first half, Johnson scored on a deflected save off of a Kanani Thomas shot for her third goal of the season and a 1-0 Mars Hill lead. Lincoln Memorial outshot Mars Hill 9-6 in the first half but the Lions had a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.
Tori Stajduhar made eight saves in the victory, perhaps none bigger than a stop in the 78th minute. An LMU cross found Michelle Hunter in front of the net but Stajduhar made a diving save on a header to preserve the lead. Lincoln Memorial held a 19-7 advantage in shots and an 8-5 edge in shots on goal for the match.
"The willingness to get forward and ambition of the team allowed us to score the winning goal late in the first half," Miller stated. "The second half we defended our end really well and Tori made a key, point-blank save to preserve the win and shutout. The players deserve all the credit for the result and work rate."
Mars Hill travels to Newberry on Saturday for a 12:30 p.m. match.
