MIDWAY, Ky. — Behind a career performance from freshman goalkeeper Lillian Klee, the Midway University women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against Brescia University on Thursday afternoon at Midway Turf Field.
Klee recorded a career-high 17 saves, helping the Eagles secure a crucial point in River States Conference play against a Brescia squad that entered the contest unbeaten in conference competition.
Midway moved to 3-8-2 overall, while Brescia moved to 7-4-5.
The Eagles took a 1-0 lead late in the first half on a goal from sophomore Cate Burch and held the advantage until the final two minutes, when the Bearcats scored the equalizer.
First Half
Brescia applied offensive pressure from the opening minutes, but Klee was up to the challenge.
The freshman goalkeeper made four saves in the opening nine minutes, preventing the Bearcats from taking an early lead.
Midway created its first scoring opportunity in the 13th minute when Burch fired a shot on goal that was stopped by Brescia goalkeeper Laura Thompson.
Burch generated another opportunity in the 16th minute, but her attempt was blocked.
The Eagles eventually broke through in the 40th minute.
Burch found the back of the net at the 39:22 mark off an assist from freshman Addison Hazlett, giving Midway a 1-0 advantage.
The goal marked Burch's second of the season, while Hazlett recorded her fifth assist.
Klee continued her strong performance in the closing minutes of the half, making two additional saves in the final 90 seconds to preserve the lead.
The Eagles entered halftime with a 1-0 advantage despite being outshot 9-3, with Klee recording eight first-half saves.
Second Half
Brescia continued to pressure the Midway defense after halftime, but Klee repeatedly turned away scoring opportunities.
The freshman made three saves in the opening 12 minutes of the second half as the Bearcats searched for an equalizer.
Klee continued her impressive performance throughout the period, stopping nine shots in the second half alone.
Midway's defense held firm for much of the contest, maintaining its one-goal advantage despite Brescia generating 16 second-half shots.
However, the Bearcats finally broke through with less than two minutes remaining.
Ana Victorica scored at the 88:07 mark to even the match at one.
Neither team found another goal in the closing moments, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Inside the Box Score
Klee finished with a career-high 17 saves while allowing just one goal in 90 minutes of action.
The freshman's performance marked her highest single-match save total of the season, surpassing her previous performances in goal.
Burch led the Eagles offensively with three shots, including two on goal, and scored her second goal of the season.
Hazlett recorded two shots, both on goal, and added an assist on Midway's lone goal.
Brescia held a 25-5 advantage in total shots and an 18-4 edge in shots on goal.
The Bearcats also earned four corner kicks compared to two for the Eagles.
Thompson recorded three saves for Brescia.
Looking Ahead
Midway will remain at home for its final two regular-season contests.
The Eagles will host West Virginia Tech on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 3:30 p.m. before welcoming Rio Grande to Midway Turf Field on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m.
Both matches will be important as the Eagles continue their push for postseason positioning in the River States Conference.
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About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
