Hagen’s late goal delivers gutsy win at Southwestern Christian
BETHANY, Okla. -- Sophomore Melody Hagen notched her third goal of the year in the 77th minute and the No. 19 John Brown University women's soccer team avoided an upset with a 2-1 win over Southwestern Christian (Okla.) on Tuesday (Oct. 18) afternoon at the Cagle Family Field.
For the first time in league play, the Golden Eagles (12-1-1, 6-0 SAC) found themselves at a deficit, and for a long time, after SCU scored in the 11th minute, its first shot on goal, to take a 1-0 lead.
Both teams recorded a pair of shot attempts in the first half, but a John Brown offense that averages over 22 shot attempts a game was largely held in check by the Eagles (3-11-0, 1-5).
Kaitlyn Carroll netted her first of the season when she redirected a Brianna Anderson chip from the right flank past senior Kristen Morency. The shot was redirected from the middle of the field to the far left post, catching Morency off her line and stunned the visitors.
Finally in the second half JBU began to find its rhythm and proceeded to attempt seven shots toward SCU keeper Kaylie Naumann.
In the 63rd minute, sophomore Aspen Robinson sent a corner kick to the far left post, which eluded everyone in the box. Past the back post was junior Sara Frey, who ripped home her third of the season, knotting the score at one apiece. The helper was Robinson's sixth of the year.
With the game slowing as the end of regulation drew closer, Hagen relieved the Golden Eagles from having to battle in extra time when she broke a three-match scoreless streak, depositing her third of the season in the 77th minute.
Originating on the right flank, a series of passes into the middle of the field was capped off when sophomore Anne Metz played a ball deep in the box to freshman Kathryn Huff. With her back to the goal, Huff laid off a pass back to Hagen, who one-touched a volley from 13 yards, recording her first game-winner of the season.
Morency needed just one save to pick up her 12th win of the season. Naumann made two saves in the losing effort for Southwestern Christian.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday (Oct. 22) in Planview, Texas when JBU takes on Wayland Baptist at 2 p.m.
