The Emory women's soccer team extended their undefeated campaign, drawing National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) #2 ranked Lee University (TN) 1-1. The Eagles are now 10-0-4 with a 3-0-1 record in University Athletic Association (UAA) play.
The Eagles faced one of their most difficult opponents in Lee University, having won four straight NAIA championships, losing just eight games over the last five seasons and boasting a roster comprised of seven international players and four Division I transfers.
"We played Lee for the first time four years ago; they crushed us but we were able to win two years ago," said head coach Sue Patberg. "Being able to play them in our bye week really helped us; it felt more like a second or third round playoff game than anything else."
The Eagles were quick to strike first against their opponents; in the ninth minute, sophomore forward Emily Feldman netted her fourth goal of the season off sophomore forward Charlotte Butker's bouncing cross. Feldman has found her groove the last few games, scoring in three straight contests as well as adding two assists.
"Emily is very athletic. She uses her athleticism to open up opponents and play in the open field," said Patberg. She can get around anyone and has done a great job scoring goals."
The Eagle's defense was the driving force that stymied numerous offensive attacks by Lee. Senior goalie Erica Stein provided clutch play, saving four shots just in the first half, matching her season high.
"They had a player number 10 up top {Fulutudilu} who was probably the fastest player we have seen all season. Our outside backs Drosick and Lucas both marked her very well," noted Patberg. " Our two center backs Kaiser and Gorodetsky provided great support as well."
The Eagles could only keep their clean sheet intact for so long. In the 38th minute, senior forward Caroline Scales scored a ground shot past Stein to even the game and notch her goal count for the season to two. Junior forward Ashley Aragona earned her fifth assist on the play.
At halftime, shots were knotted up at six apiece, although Lee had the slight edge with 5-2 shots on goal.
The first half's even play was counteracted with a barrage of offensive opportunities from the Eagles. Junior Clare Mullins gave the Eagles a good look, firing a free kick from about 30 yards out, only to have it saved by goalkeeper Leah Wilson. Butker tried to capitalize on the rebound but had her shot saved as well.
The crossbar denied the Eagles a goal scoring opportunity in the 79th minute, as Butker's header off junior midfielder Greta Jochmann's corner kick clanked against the bar. Junior defenseman Lauren Gorodetsky followed with another header but was saved by senior goalkeeper Leah Wilson.
"In the second half, we were able to make adjustments," said Patberg. "We possessed the ball very well in the beginning of the period but our focus began to fade. Halftime allowed us to regroup and make adjustments with their players."
Emory outshot Lee 22 to nine; with nine shots on goal to Lee's six. Emory has now outshot their opponents in their last 13 games. Over their last 38 regular season games, the Eagles are an unprecedented 32-0-6 with a 24 game home-winning streak, four shy of the program's record.
"At home, tons of parents are able to watch our games, as well as all our friends," said senior midfielder Merrill Bachouros. "The field itself is amazing. Playing on grass as opposed to turf is really beneficial. We are a possession-oriented team so the grass really helps our gameplay.
Emory is now 1-1-1 all-time against Lee and broke the Lady Flames' 11 game winning streak. Emory will complete its regular season with four consecutive road games, beginning with its final non-conference game vs. Covenant College (GA) on Monday, October 22nd.
– By Drew Heuman-Gutman
