Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's soccer team scored twice Monday night to emerge victorious for a third-straight match, topping Mary Washington 2-1 on Shellenberger Field.
From the opening whistle, the Hornets commanded possession and earned three corners within the first seven minutes. While the Eagles temporarily evaded the threat, Zoe Villarreal opened the scoring column with her first-collegiate goal in the 23rd minute.
Lofting the ball from inches outside the 18-yard box, Villarreal forced Eagles goalkeeper Sydney Anderson backward, though she failed to deflect the shot.
Momentum only sided with Lynchburg momentarily as UMW's Maci Landel fired the equalizer in the 33rd minute. The Eagles' leader in goals sent the two squads to halftime deadlocked, despite Lynchburg outshooting UMW 8-6.
Both teams entered the second half attack-minded, though physical defense prevented any early chances from reaching the nylon. Mary Washington fired the first four shots of the second half.
Enter Meghan Lauder, connecting on a counter-attack strike to spin momentum on its head. Collecting a through ball from Victoria Newman, Lauder elevated her shot above the keeper to regain the lead.
Lauder has scored four times in the last three matches on only nine shots. She already boasts a career-high in goals for the 2023 campaign, settling into a starting role up front for the Hornets.
With the match far from decided, chippiness ensued deep into the final minutes. The two sides commanded 12 fouls and 3 yellow cards during the contest.
In the closing seconds of the match, Lynchburg fouled the Eagles in a dangerous position, conceding a late free kick to the visitors. The strike met Lynchburg's defense, eventually rolling out of play to the tune of the final whistle.
Senior goalkeeper Jade Lecklider made six saves to seal the nonconference victory. The Hornets have only allowed two goals in their last three matches.
Lynchburg returns to action Saturday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m., in a critical Old Dominion Athletic Conference matchup against Bridgewater on Shellenberger Field. It will also be Lynchburg's CODE RED match.
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--LYN--
