DAYTON, Tenn. (September 14, 2024) - The No. 21 Truett McConnell University women's soccer team hit the road on Saturday to compete in their first away Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up at Tennessee Wesleyan University. The face-off proved a battle of the reigning AAC Champions and AAC Runners-up as the game was forced to a draw with a score of 2-2, after 90 minutes of resilience from both sides. TMU currently sits at an overall record of 3-1-2, 2-0-1 AAC. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY

The Bulldogs took charge of the field at the start as they earned a corner kick in the first five minutes, followed by a shot on goal. Annabel Trauschke took a shot for the visiting team at the 12 minute mark, while the 23rd minute saw trouble for TMU. The home team was capable of earning a penalty kick after a mix-up in the box, which saw keeper Emelie Taylor sharp on the line as she blocked up the shot, but a quick jump by the Bulldogs offense on the deflected ball resulted in the first goal of the game (0-1). The Lady Bears were forced to work hard on defense as TWU scored a second goal in the 36th minute, but the tides turned right before the half as Eliska Dvorakova found the back of the net to cut away at the home team's lead (1-2). 

TMU gained momentum for the final half of play, earning a corner kick and recording a shot on goal by Isabella Hodson within the first three minutes back on the field. The Lady Bears returned the favor with a penalty kick of their own in the 75th minute, evening the score after a sharp shot by Ashley Johnson soared past the keeper (2-2). The Bulldogs did not go quiet as they rallied together three more shots, but TMU stayed stout on defense to force the game to a draw. 

LEADERS

Johnson and Dvorakova led the way individually with one goal apiece, while Taylor tallied six saves on the day. 

UP NEXT 

The Lady Bears host AAC competitor Columbia College on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. under the lights, inside the TMU Soccer Complex.