Faulkner University

November 7

Faulkner University’s women’s soccer team hosted rival Brenau University this afternoon in an opening round showdown of the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament. The Golden Tigers defeated the Eagles in early October, but this afternoon it was the home team that clinched the win. Faulkner knocked off Brenau in a 2-0 shutout to move into the semi finals.

Latoya Panton blows by the defender in route to the goal

The first time the two teams faced off this season, the Eagles jumped out for an early lead, holding it for most of the competition. But a late rally by the Golden Tigers sent the event into double overtime where Brenau was able to punch in the winning goal handing the birds their third conference loss of the season.

Since then, the Eagles have gone undefeated in the SSAC securing third place in the final conference standings and earning home field advantage for the opening round rematch.

Jessica Monarch wins a header near mid field

Defender Shirley DeArmas fires the ball to an awaiting teammate

Today’s event was well balanced with both teams producing similar numbers on offense. Faulkner finished the game with 19 shots, 11 of which were on goal. Brenau took 18 shots with 10 on frame.

Faulkner’s Samantha Ruddick and Jennifer Parrott were the difference makers, however. After a scoreless first half the Eagles were able to orchestrate a handful of threatening runs. Parrott fed the ball to Ruddick on the game’s first scoring drive. Brenau’s diving keeper, Lisa Lesnick, halted Ruddick’s first shot, but the sophomore rebounded the blocked ball making good on her second strike.

Samantha Ruddick scores off her own rebound to set the tempo with a 1-0 lead

Jennifer Parrott beats the keeper in the one on one for the score

With only a handful of minutes left in regulation the Eagles broke free one last time. Faulkner quickly shifted the ball to the middle of the field and a well-placed pass from Shirley DeArmas gave Parrott the one on one with Lesnick for the score.

Goalkeeper Lisa Gallea knocks a shot over the crossbar and out of play

Faulkner keeper Lisa Gallea had 10 saves in the win.

Clio Rennalls brings the ball down for the Eagles in the second half

Nikki Jagt battles for position in this afternoon's showdown

"I’m happy with the outcome and of course proud of these girls," said head coach Jeff Ireland. "I was actually not happy with how we played about 80 percent of the game. We were doing things that we know we shouldn’t and can’t do, but we adjusted and put the ball in the net and got the win. We’re going to have to rest and do a lot of preparation for AUM."

The team gathers together after the win

An emotional Jeff Ireland huddles with his team after the victory

Coach Ireland discusses the game with the team

The Eagles will move into the semi finals of the SSAC tournament for the first time in program history. The shutout was the team’s seventh of the season, also a program best.

The 11-6 Eagles will take on No. 16 Auburn Montgomery in the second round contest on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with a start time that has yet to be determined. The Eagles upset the Senators 4-2 earlier this year, but if today’s match proves anything it’s that the regular season is over and its anyone’s game.

The team celebrates the first post season victory in program history