LAKELAND, Fla. – The No. 14 Southeastern University women's soccer team is off to its second consecutive 7-0 start. SEU handled the Webber International University Warriors 4-1 in Babson Park last Wednesday to improve to 2-0 in Sun Conference play. In the win, sophomore forward
Uchenna Kanu notched her fifth multi-goal game of the season with a pair of scores. The Fire find themselves in the same position they were after last season's 7-0 start, tasked with a monumental showdown of ranked teams in West Palm Beach versus No. 8 Keiser University. With SEU and KU being two of three teams still undefeated in TSC action, the contest holds tremendous implications for the conference.
GAME: No. 8 Keiser (8-1-1, 4-0 TSC) vs. No. 14 Southeastern (7-0, 2-0 TSC) Wednesday 12:30 p.m.
COVERAGE: Video/Live Stats
ASSIST THE FIRE: Systematic buildup play is a trademark of Southeastern's indirect style of attacking. The Fire have done a notable job of connecting their passes to gradually move up the field vertically. This is indicative in that 25 of SEU's 28 goals have been assisted. The Fire rank fifth in the NAIA in assists per game, averaging 3.57 helpers. The style of play also has allowed SEU to dictate possession, which is highlighted in the contrast in shot opportunities between Southeastern and opponents, as the Fire have outshot their opponents 143-17 through their last five contests. The squad ranks fourth in the NAIA in shots per game, averaging 26.
PLUM IMPRESSIVE: Sophomore forward
Konya Plummer has established herself has a formidable force on both the offensive and defensive side of play. The Epsom, St. Mary, Jamaica native has found the back of the net in four consecutive contests. The Fire are 9-0-1 all-time when Plummer scores a goal. On the defensive side, she continues to help lead a back line that has shutout opponents in 93.6% of minutes played this season.
PREVIOUS KEISER: The Fire are seeking their first win in program history over the Seahawks after two tightly contested results last season. In both regular season and conference tournament championship meeting, SEU struck first with 1-0 leads held in the second half. In the regular season meeting, Keiser netted two late goals in a span of 11 minutes to take the 2-1 victory. After two hard fought periods of overtime in the championship game, the Fire fell to the Seahawks 4-3 in a shootout. Southeastern returns every player that scored against Keiser last season.
THE SEAHAWKS: Keiser is looking to establish mid-season rhythm that will lead the team to their seventh consecutive berth in the NAIA National Tournament. The Seahawks attack is driven by a variety of contributors, as nine different players have netted multiple goals this season. Freshman midfielder Ebba Gustafsson is the leading scorer and point earner for KU, having netted seven goals and registered six assists. Despite being held without a goal in three straight games, the Varberg, Sweden native has recorded at least one assist in each of those contests. Sophomore midfielder Filippa Millqvist also returns for Keiser. Millqvist leads The Sun Conference in assists with 11 while also having netted four goals.
FIRE FACTS:
- An SEU win would be the first over an NAIA Top 10 opponent in program history.
- Sophomore midfielder Bania Duran and junior forward Shayna Cole both had a goal and assist each versus the Seahawks last season.
- Senior goalkeeper Sydni Brookhouser recorded a career high nine saves versus Keiser last season.
- A Fire win would also be the 25th win in the collegiate head coaching career of Randy Belli.
