The Basics

Score: Evangel 3, Saint Mary 1 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (4-5-1, 3-3-0), Saint Mary (5-6-1, 3-4-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Women's Soccer concluded their home stand on Wednesday (Oct. 9) evening, playing host to the Saint Mary Spires, looking to earn their third consecutive win of the season. A strong second half performance from the Valor proved to be the difference as EU took a 3-1 win at home, behind a pair of goals from McKenzie Calhoun.

The first half flew by for both teams, as the pace of play was quick and very few fouls were called. Saint Mary was the aggressor on offense in the first half, recording eight shots to Evangel's two. The Valor found themselves in the box on several occasions but could not record a shot on the majority of them, but were able to play strong defense to force a tie at the halftime break.

Evangel came out fast to open the second half, turning the momentum as they began to be the aggressors on offense. In the first two minutes of the half, Makayla Myers played a ball in to McKenzie Calhoun that she buried, putting Evangel ahead 1-0. The Valor were able to put multiple shots on goal after, but the Spires evened the score just nine minutes later, making it a 1-1 game. The Valor offense did not slow down to end the half, as Sarah Wilkins took a shot that hit off the crossbar and landed right at Calhoun's feet for her second goal of the match. Five minutes later, Makayla Myers worked hard to score her first collegiate goal, pushing Evangel out to a 3-1 lead they held to the finish behind strong defensive play.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Evangel and Saint Mary both took 15 shots.

• Rylee Clapp was strong in goal, earning three saves in the win.

• McKenzie Calhoun earned her fourth goal of the season in the win as Myers scored her first.

QUOTABLE

"What a brilliant evening of football for the ladies. I thought we played a bit slow to start off and took too many touches around the box and weren't able to get shots off in the first half. We talked about playing quicker, moving the ball more, and taking the shots as they presented themselves," Women's Soccer Head Coach Bruce Deaton stated. "We came out aggressive in attack in the second half and it paid off. The combination on McKenzie's first goal was incredible. Her final goal sealed the deal and Makayla Myers was able to get her first collegiate goal, which was awesome. As a team, we defended incredibly this evening. What a great team win!!"

UP NEXT

Evangel hits the road to take on Bethel on Saturday (Oct. 12) morning at 11:00 a.m. in North Newton, Kansas.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.