ST. DAVIDS, Pa.- Eastern University Women's Soccer scored early and made the goal stand in a 1-0 homecoming win over the visiting DeSales University Bulldogs (6-4-3, 0-1-1 Freedom).
After a relatively uneventful first 13 minutes, the Eagles picked up a great opportunity on a dangerous play call at the top of the box. Steph Le touched the ball and Emily Roquemore blasted a right-footed shot into the upper left corner of the goal.
"We executed very well on that," head coach Dan Mouw said of the chance, "Steph created the chance by running through a ball, and she showed really patience on the play. The timing was right, and Rock hit a great shot."
Up a goal, the Eagles were able to keep the Bulldogs out of the area for the remainder of the half. DeSales held a three-to-two advantage in shots in the opening half.
In the opening moments of the second frame, Ashley Likely had a tremendous scoring chance on a clever ball into space from Lydia Peachey. DeSales' keeper Michelle Churchman came off her line with good conviction to block the initial shot and the Bulldog defense scrambled to keep the Eagles from getting an immediate shot through on the rebound. Likely finally hoisted a shot from 25 yards out, but Churchman had recovered to goal for the save.
DeSales had a chance for an equalizer five minutes into the half on a ball into space behind the Eastern back line, but Elayna Simpson was able to get to the ball just as DeSales forward Brady Walsh was shooting to thwart the scoring chance.
With a freshening breeze behind them for the second half, the Eagles were content to play a field position contest for the remainder of the afternoon. The ploy, in many was worked, as the Bulldogs went without a shot for a 35 minute stretch in the period.
Throughout the extended stretch of defending, the Eagles looked to a find a second goal. Victoria Graham nearly created that reality with a one time pass from the left touchline. The sophomore forward played a big switching ball against her momentum and into Martin's path. Martin's first touch eliminated a final defender, but Churchman made a diving save to her right to keep the game within reach for the guests.
That save nearly proved consequential as the Bulldogs earned a corner in the 85th minute. After keeping the initial clearance in the scoring area, the chance fell to Walsh from 12 yards out. With Simpson closing, Walsh pushed a shot to the lower corner. Peachey was where she needed to be to save the day for the Eagles. The first year midfielder was sure to block the ball and push it wide for another corner kick.
"That play on the goal line is a game-saver for us," Mouw said afterwards. "Lydia did some great things for us today in the run of play as well, but that play ultimately helps us to get the result." Mouw commended his charges for their discipline in sticking with a game plan on a day when they were short-handed.
Simpson made a save in each half and played very well managing her box to pick up her second shutout of the season.
The win lifts the Eagles to 1-1 in Freedom Conference play and sets up an important road test at Manhattanville on Tuesday night.
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