LAKELAND, Fla.—Great defense led to offense as the 15
th-ranked Southeastern women's soccer team improved to 2-0 in Sun Conference play with a 2-0 win over No. 5 Keiser on Saturday.
Sophomore
Madelyn Davidson scored both goals, blasting a ball over the head of the keeper from distance in the 32
nd minute, then headed in a volley off a corner kick in the 49
th minute to give the Fire their first win over the Seahawks since 2020.
Just as impressive was the defensive effort which held the Seahawks (3-2-1, 1-1 SUN) off the scoresheet having racked up 16 goals in their first five games.
"The big effort and what we've talked about the past two days was shifting together," said coach
Caleb Roberts. "Whatever we're doing, just commit to it and it was a big effort to defend against one of the best teams in the country and they were able to do a big job together."
Micaela Owen made two of her six saves on the day in the first 11 minutes of the contest. The Fire got the offense going off of a counterattack and nearly got on the board in the 25
th minute when a shot by
Ariadna Lozano hit the crossbar.
Just six minutes later, Davidson snuck a long shot just under the crossbar off a pass from
Viktoria Lederer to put the Fire up 1-0.
"It was a good ball in by Vicki and Coach tells us when we are at the top of the 18 to take our shots so that's all I could think about," said Davidson.
The Fire (2-2) forced an early corner kick which
Naira Lopez sent to the far post which was perfectly headed by Lozano back to the near post and headed into the net by Davidson less than three minutes into the second half.
It was then time for the defense to shine again, keeping all four shots on goal out of the back of the net. Owen made three more saves in the second half and the Fire also recorded a team save on a blocked shot by
Kaylee Couey.
"Everyone was on the communication and tracking well and knew where they needed to be and held it down," said Owen of the team defense. "I've put my trust in the defense in front of me, I know they're going to do their job and I'm just here to help them."
Keiser finished with a 12-10 edge in shots and a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal.
"This is huge and I think it'll boost our confidence as a team and bring us all together and prepare us for the rest of the season," said Davidson.
The Fire will return to action on Wednesday at home against St. Thomas at 7 p.m.
