LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Spalding University women's soccer team battled Rose-Hulman to a 0-0 tie on Wednesday evening at Legacy Fields. Although the Golden Eagles were unable to find the back of the net, the team's defensive effort and energy across the pitch were clear highlights in a matchup that required grit and focus for all ninety minutes.
Spalding moved to 1-3-1 on the season, while the Fightin' Engineers moved to 1-2-1.
TURNING POINT
In goal, sophomore
Sophie Young-Neawedde anchored the defense with two saves, keeping a clean sheet and providing stability throughout the contest. The backline worked well to limit Rose-Hulman's opportunities, holding the visitors to just three total shots, with only two on target. This defensive organization forced Rose-Hulman into taking attempts from difficult angles and gave Spalding the confidence to press forward when chances arose.
Offensively, Spalding recorded five total shots, with several players stepping into attacking roles. Opportunities came from efforts by
Madison Dziedzic,
Emma Livingston,
Alyssa Ochsner, and
Clara Creg, who all pushed forward to create chances. While none of those shots found the target, the Eagles showed determination in the attacking third, highlighted by a few close looks in the second half and pressure off corner kicks. Maintaining composure in the box, however, proved to be the difference in what remained a tightly contested match.
Discipline played a role as well, with Spalding committing eight fouls compared to Rose-Hulman's four. Though this gave the visitors some set-piece opportunities, the defense stood strong, particularly on five Rose-Hulman corner kicks. Spalding managed three of its own corners, showing that the Eagles could generate momentum and field position but ultimately could not convert those opportunities into a breakthrough goal.
Fresh legs helped keep the energy high as Spalding utilized several substitutions to stay aggressive throughout the contest. Players like
Taylor Zebarth,
Karolyn Lighthall, and
Emma Scheumann added key minutes and provided depth in midfield and forward positions. The rotations allowed the Eagles to maintain intensity across both halves and demonstrated the team's ability to balance its roster effectively.
While the match ended in a scoreless draw, the Eagles left the field with plenty to build upon.
GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES
