Final Score: Lipscomb 2, FGCU 2
Location: Nashville, TN. (Lipscomb Soccer Conplex)
Records: Lipscomb: 7-3-4 (3-1-3 ASUN), FGCU 6-5-2 (5-1-1 ASUN)
The Bisons battled for 90 minutes against the Eagles in a riveting match that ended in a 2-2 draw.
Entering the match, Lipscomb was ranked fifth in the ASUN and FGCU was ranked second. The Eagles and Bisons were predicted to finish first and second in the ASUN preseason poll, respectively. FGCI entered the match coming off a three-game win streak and Lipscomb was looking to end their run.
From the first whistle, the highly anticipated matchup did not disappoint. Both teams recorded shots within the first five minutes of the match in hopes of getting the momentum swing their way first.
It wasn't until the 42' minute that the first goal was recorded by
Taylor James. The goal was assisted by
Lucy Hurst who set up the cross shot for James to head the ball into the back of the net. James recorded her second collegiate career goal, her first Lipscomb career goal on the play, and Hurst recorded her fourth career assist to put the Bisons up on the defending ASUN champions.
Less than three minutes later,
Kiara Pralle scored another goal for the Bisons to put Lipscomb up just before the half. Freshman
Katie Brightwell attacked FGCU's keeper inside the 18-yard box, but her shot was saved. Pralle found herself in a position to catch the Eagles off guard and score right in front of the net while the keeper was still down to put the Bisons up 2-0.
FGCU found an opportunity at the net in the 52' minute after Lipscomb committed a handball inside the 18-yard box, resulting in a free kick. The Eagles put themselves in a position to come back after Lipscomb's dominant first half.
In the 57' minute, FGCU scored yet again on an open goal. Lipscomb's keeper jumped to grab the ball off a previous attempt but wasn't able to gain control and the Eagles scored the fourth and final goal of the game to tie everything up at 2-2.
Lipscomb out-shot FGCU with 22 shots, 17 of which were on goal. The Bisons were led by Pralle, who recorded eight shots with seven on target and one goal, and James, who recorded four shots with three on target and one goal. Freshman
Molly Lyons made her first career start and appearance for the Bisons in goal, recording four saves on six shots on goal.
The Bisons will stay at home to celebrate their Seniors against Stetson on Oct. 13
th and 1:00 PM CT.
