Box Score WALESKA, Ga. – In what will go down as a milestone win for the Southeastern University women's soccer team, the Fire defense stifled the No. 12 Reinhardt University Eagles 1-0 for the first win over a NAIA ranked opponent in program history.
"It's a tremendous thing for the program to earn a first win over a ranked team and a team that is historically ranked high. I'm proud of the girls for their effort tonight and the execution of our match plan," shared Head Coach
Randy Belli.
SEU created a flurry of scoring opportunities early on, taking six shots in the first 25 minutes of play.
The back line for Southeastern stood strong for the entire match, keeping possession away from the Eagles. In the first half, the Fire allowed Reinhardt to attempt just one shot. On the game, the Fire outshot the Eagles 20-2.
"Our back four and central midfielders did a really great job of dictating the pace of the game and we kept the ball. When the other team doesn't get the ball they can't get chances," remarked Coach Belli.
The breakthrough for the Fire on offense came in the 42
nd minute, when sophomore forward
Uchenna Kanu beat two defenders, got to the goal line, and cut the ball back to graduate forward
Estefania Fuentes for a one touch finish.
"I got the pass and she (Fuentes) was in a better position to score, so instead of being selfish I had to play it back to her to score," commented Kanu.
The goal was the fourth of the season for Fuentes and Kanu earned her fourth assist on the spectacular play.
"Uche always does a great job running down the line….I knew she was going to get with the finish line, so I waited for her and she gave me a great pass," shared Fuentes.
Southeastern carried the 1-0 advantage into the half. However, the lone goal proved to be all the Fire needed to preserve the victory.
The Fire now travel home to Lakeland for their 2017 home opener. Southeastern will host Evangel University in the first game of the SEU Soccer Invitational this Saturday at noon.
