MIDWAY, Ky. - A 20th-minute penalty kick from
Sloane Pollock proved to be the difference Wednesday night as the Midway women's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Berea at Midway Turf Field.
The Eagles controlled much of the possession in the opening minutes and wasted little time creating their first opportunity. Freshman Addison Hazlett recorded the first shot of her collegiate career just over a minute into the contest, but her attempt was blocked.
Berea answered with back-to-back shots in a two-minute span, but freshman goalkeeper Lillian Klee was up to the task, turning away both attempts for the first two saves of her collegiate career.
Midway continued to apply pressure as Chloe Kemper and Pollock each put shots on frame, but Berea goalkeeper Elana Horne kept the match scoreless.
That changed in the 20th minute.
Pollock intercepted a Berea pass and beat the center back before making her way into the box. As Pollock cut to her right, a Berea defender brought her down, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot.
After going a perfect 3-for-3 from the spot last season, Pollock stepped up and calmly buried the penalty to the goalkeeper's right, beating the outstretched hand of Horne to give Midway a 1-0 advantage.
Pollock nearly doubled the lead just over four minutes later, but her attempt struck the crossbar to keep the Eagles' advantage at one.
One goal proved to be all Midway needed.
The Eagles' defense held strong throughout the remainder of the match, limiting Berea to seven total shots and four shots on goal. Midway finished with a 9-7 advantage in shots and controlled the corner-kick battle, 4-1.
Klee was perfect in her collegiate debut between the posts, stopping all four shots she faced to earn her first career victory and shutout.
Pollock led the Midway attack with three shots, putting two on goal, while Hazlett and Kemper recorded two shots apiece.
With the victory, Midway improves to 1-0 on the season.
The win is also the first win as a collegiate head coach for Bryce Brockman.
UP NEXT
Midway continues its homestand on Sunday when it welcomes Defiance to Midway Turf Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
About Midway University Athletics
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and its 29 athletics teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, the 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.
