Eagles Look Strong in Opening Game

The Lady Eagles' Soccer Team opened up their 2017 season Thursday night against Maranatha Baptist University (Watertown, WI). After ending the first half at 1-1, Faith and Maranatha stayed even, until 2 late goals put the Sabercats ahead and gave them the 3-1 victory.

It was a physical battle by both teams from the start of the game. Maranatha had many shot on goal opportunities in the early minutes, but freshman goalie Aubree Smith made several good saves, keeping the game scoreless.

The first goal of the game came in the 23^rd minute, when Maranatha's Alexis Sponable put it in the back of the net off a deflection by Faith's keeper. Maranatha held the 1-0 lead, until Faith's Lyndi Shepard answered in the 36^th minute with a goal off an assist from Laura Christenson. The Sabercats and Eagles entered the half tied 1-1.

The difference in the game came late when Alexis Sponable added two late goals for Maranatha in the 79^th and 83^rd minutes, completing the hat-trick and securing the 3-1 win for the Sabercats.

With 13 of the 21 girls being incoming freshman, the Lady Eagles have added a lot of new faces and talent. Freshman goalie Aubree Smith had a big game for Faith, making 13 saves to keep the game in reach. Amanda Kocurek, another freshman, made big contributions to Faith on the defensive end as well.

The Lady Eagles' next game will be at home on Friday, September 8, at 3 PM against Eureka College (Eureka, IL).