ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The Northern Kentucky women's soccer team defeated Middle Tennessee State on Monday by a final score of 3-2. The teams played three 30-minute periods in the exhibition contest.
"Our backline, led by
Taylor Spaulding,
Hannah Fischer, and
Lily Menssen, was very organized for the first time out this year," said head coach
Bob Sheehan.
"We have committed to team defending, and it showed today. Our attack was very good at times, as
Shawna Zaken showed outstanding skill and composure in finishing three quality goals. Our movement off the ball and combination play was also very good, and it was great to see double assists on all three goals.
Payton Naylor,
Samantha Duwel, and
Emily Soltes each had two assists today, and it demonstrates terrific balance in the attack. Overall, it was a great start for us."
NKU SCORING SUMMARY
- Zaken scored two goals in the opening period and completed her hat trick with a goal in the final period.
MATCH SUMMARY
- The Norse took a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. Duwel won a ball at midfield and played it to Soltes. She was able to find Zaken for the first goal of the match.
- Soltes earned her second assist of the day when she passed the ball to Naylor, who found Zaken on a breakaway and slipped the ball past the keeper to put NKU ahead 2-0.
- MTSU scored two goals in the second 30-minute period to tie the match at 2-2.
- In the final 30-minute period, Naylor played a ball to Duwel on the back post, and she was able to find Zaken who scored her third goal of the match to give NKU the 3-2 victory.
MATCH NOTES
- Zaken recorded a hat trick, and Naylor, Duwel, and Soltes each contributed two assists.
- Each goal scored by NKU had a double assist.
UP NEXT
- The Norse travel to Miami (Ohio) on Sunday, Aug. 12 for another preseason match. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Oxford, Ohio.
