SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Junior forward
Uchenna Kanu displayed why she is one of the top scorers in the country, as the Abia, Nigeria native netted all three goals in No. 6 Southeastern's 3-1 win over the No. 24 John Brown University Golden Eagles. The Fire improved to 4-0 on the season with the victory and have now won 18 consecutive regular season non-conference matches. The loss was John Brown's first regular season home loss since September 10, 2015.
"We battled. John Brown is a quality side. We were able to make some adjustments and absorb their pressure in the second half," commented head coach
Randy Belli.
The Fire saw their scoreless stretch to open up the 2018 season snapped at 276 minutes and 39 seconds. Senior JBU forward Jastin Redman found the back of the net in the 6
th minute to put the Golden Eagles ahead 1-0.
After a few missed chances, SEU answered back with Kanu's first score in the 16
th minute. Kanu slipped under the John Brown keeper from the left side and rocketed one in far post from 20 yards out. Her goal was the Fire's lone shot on frame in the first half.
The Fire and the Golden Eagles remained deadlocked 1-1 at the half.
Kanu notched the go-ahead goal in the 60
th minute after graduate midfielder
Gabriella DiDio played a through ball to her which Kanu finished at the top of the 18 far post.
"My teammates understand the runs and movements I make, which makes it easy to score goals," shared Kanu.
Uchenna completed the hat trick in the 66
th minute, when she won a 50/50 ball at the top of the 18, turned, and rifled the ball into the upper left corner.
This marked the 11
th game in Kanu's collegiate career where she scored three or more goals in a match. Her goals were also the first three scores surrendered by John Brown this season.
"We have a day to recover and prepare for a talented Oklahoma Wesleyan side and we are looking forward to the challenge," added Belli.
The Fire take on the Eagles of Oklahoma Wesleyan Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. eastern.
