Morehead State Soccer's first road win of the season couldn't have come at a better time, as the Eagles defeated SIUEdwardsville 2-1 at Korte Stadium Friday evening.
The freshman forward tandem of Abby Timm and Dani Wilson continued to shine, hooking up for the two goals on the evening. MSU improved to 3-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference and to 6-7-1 overall, while the Cougars dipped to 4-7-3 overall and 1-3-1 in the conference.
"We have to compliment the backs for being able to get the ball to our strikers. It has made a difference for us lately," said Head Coach Warren Lipka. "Dani and Abby are playing very well right now. Dani is able to turn and find Abby, and they're working together and sharing the ball with each other."
Wilson assisted Timm first in the opening minute of the match. Timm broke free off a lead pass, beating the Cougar defender one on one to put the Eagles up 1-0 in the first 17 seconds. It marked the Eagles' quickest strike of the season.
SIUE's offense then went on the attack the rest of the first half. But the back line of defenders, anchored by the senior foursome of Karen Hilt, Kelsey Patera, Kelsey Gomez, and Teig Palmateer, kept the Cougars at bay.
"Our back four were outstanding tonight, and we withstood a lot pressure," said Lipka. "When you score an early goal, it puts a lot of pressure on your defense. Tonight we responded well by not giving them many chances."
The defense held its ground as Timm and Wilson continued into the second half, scoring the second goal in the 60th minute. Wilson fed Timm with a lead pass, as she went one on one with the goalkeeper, scoring her eighth goal of the season.
SIUE answered shortly after off a corner kick in the 64th minute. Junior defender Cory Levels headed in a rebound, cutting the lead in half.
The Eagle defense maintained its stinginess, allowing only one goal for the third straight match, finishing off the Cougars in the final 25 minutes.
"If you want to contend for the conference you have to find points on the road," said Lipka. "We found points, and this is a big win for us. I'm very proud of our team tonight."
MSU will now look toward Sunday, as it prepares for Eastern Illinois and a 2 p.m. ET matchup in Charleston, Ill
