Box Score LAKELAND, Fla. – After a lengthy layoff, the No. 14 Southeastern University women's soccer team showed little signs of rust, as the Fire turned in a solid 4-0 result over the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats in their Sun Conference opener. This marked the third consecutive conference opener win for the program.
The Fire back line dictated the pace of play from the onset. The Wildcats were limited to just one shot in the first half and five total on the game, compared to Southeastern's 33 shot attempts.
SEU established an offensive rhythm early due to excellent build up play. In the 11
th minute, sophomore center back
Konya Plummer sent a quick pass to sophomore midfielder
Bania Duran, who quickly slipped Plummer back in for the score.
The Epsom, Jamaica native found the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season. On her four scores, three of those have been assisted by Duran.
"For some reason, Konya and I just have that connection…I know when to slip her in and she knows when to play near ball and go," commented Duran.
Duran helped execute another scoring chance just two minutes later, as she slotted a ball on the outside to sophomore forward
Uchenna Kanu. The Abia, Nigeria native crossed the ball to junior forward
Shayna Cole, who executed the score on a one touch finish. The goal was Cole's first of the season.
"To be able to keep the ball against their (Johnson & Wales) pressure and build up and get those first two goals early was crucial for us," shared Head Coach
Randy Belli.
The Fire padded their first half lead in the 37
th minute, when senior center back
Heidi Ruth played a nice ball to Kanu, who booted the ball in from 20 yards out for her 12
th goal of the season.
Southeastern capped off the night in the 88
th minute, when Duran rocketed a short pass from freshman forward
Aisha Solorzano into the top right corner of the net from 15 yards out. Solorzano earned the helper in what was her collegiate debut.
Duran finished as the leading point scorer for the Fire with seven. This marked the second consecutive year she and Plummer both netted goals versus Johnson & Wales.
Senior goalkeeper
Sydni Brookhouser earned her 19th career shutout, snagging a pair of saves in the contest.
The Fire trek on in TSC play, as they travel to Babson Park on Wednesday afternoon for a battle with the Webber International University Warriors. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.
