#3 Eagles Earn First-Ever Win Over #4 Maranatha
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maranatha Baptist University
()
|
0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Faith Baptist Bible College
()
|
1 | 1 | 2 |
Team Stats
Maranatha Baptist University
Faith Baptist Bible College
| Game Statistics | Maranatha Baptist University | Faith Baptist Bible College |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 3 (2) | 28 (13) |
| Saves | 10 | 2 |
| Fouls | 8 | 6 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
ANKENY, Iowa—There are very few things the Faith Eagles women's soccer team hasn't accomplished this year. Coach Barron's team has shattered nearly every school record on its way to a #3 national ranking, but still has a few big things to check off their to-do list. Beating Maranatha for the first time in school history was one of those. Was.
It was a clash of the titans in NCCAA Division II women's soccer as the third-ranked Eagles took on the fourth-ranked Sabercats in front of a large crowd on a chilly Saturday afternoon. The Eagles were hoping to avenge their 1-0 loss earlier this season in Watertown, Wisconsin.
After 17 minutes of scoreless action, the Eagles struck first with a goal from Abby Zollinger, who banked one in under the upright, just clearing the goal line. It was the only score from either team in the first half. The Eagles dominated possession in the first 45 minutes, managing fourteen shots, while only allowing one from Maranatha.
Faith continued to control the ball on offense in the second half but was unable to cushion its lead for the majority of the game. With less than two minutes remaining, the Eagles finally locked the gate on the Sabercats with a gorgeous kick from Abigail Speichinger, who curved a long shot into the corner of Maranatha's goal. The Eagles managed 13 shots on goal for the game, compared to just two for Maranatha.
Faith's scoring margin of +2.64 ranks #1 in the nation in NCCAA Division II. The one-two punch of Lyndi Shepard and Abigail Speichinger ranks #2 and #3 in the nation in made goals.
It was a defensive masterpiece for an Eagles defense that never gets enough credit. The historic win over Maranatha was one more thing the Eagles can check off their list as they improved their record to 11-4. The Eagles have won seven of their last eight games, with their final match of the regular season coming up on Tuesday against Manhattan Christian College at 3:00 p.m. in Ankeny. The Eagles defeated the Thunder 5-0 on September 17.