Box Score NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont women's soccer team (2-1) took an early lead and never looked back in its home opener on Friday afternoon at E.S. Rose Park. The Bruins capitalized on a penalty kick to hold on to defeat visiting Eastern Illinois (0-3) and improve to 2-1 on the season.
The Bruins opened the first half aggressively with a shot and a corner kick coming from senior Gretchen Sutch (Knoxville, Tenn.) in the first five minutes. Classmate Morgan McBride (Collierville, Tenn.) was on the receiving end of a hard foul on the left corner of the box and was rewarded with a penalty kick four minutes later. Her sure footed kick towards the right corner found the back of the net and gave BU the 1-0 advantage. With their first goal already on the board, the Bruins were able to control the tempo of the contest from then on. In the 25th minute, a corner kick by senior Dani Stolt (Morris Plains, N.J.) opened the door for a header by junior Laura Harris (Macon, Ga.) that just barely went wide. BU continued to keep the pressure high on both sides of the ball in the latter minutes and was able to carry its 1-0 lead into the break.
BU continued its strong ball control and possession into the second half. By the 55th minute, the Bruins had used a pair of tight offensive rallies to put the Panthers on their defensive heels before they finally caught a break and were able to earn two corner kicks. However, Belmont refused to let up, keeping a steady stream of fresh legs on the field even as they outmaneuvered EIU on either side of the field. As time wound down, Stolt and freshman Taylor Smith (Atlanta, Ga.) fired missiles at Panther goalkeeper Jessica Taldone but she was able to keep her hands on them both to keep BU from adding to its tally. Eastern Illinois looked to the quick feet of Ashley Streid in the final minute of regulation but sophomore netminder Nicole Berner (Randolph, N.J.) was able to halt both attempts.
"Eastern Illinois challenges for every ball and really worked today," said Head Coach Heather Henson.
"I think we had some players who stepped up to a different level today. Nicole (Berner) was aggressive in the net from the beginning. She kept us in the game. We battled through the penalty kick and Morgan (McBride) kept her composure. We all kept our composure."
"Overall, we had some good chances but we still need to work harder. We have a lot of things to put together."
Belmont held the advantage in shots, 7-6. The teams were tied in corner kicks with four apiece.
McBride netted the lone goal of the day on the penalty kick. Smith finished with a team-high two shots. Berner went the distance between the posts and came away with three saves.
Belmont returns to action on September 2 at E.S. Rose Park. The Bruins host UAB beginning at 6 p.m. Live stats and a live Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/BelmontWSoccer) will be available.
