posted October 5, 2008
PULASKI, Tenn. – Playing with a deep sense of dedication and heavy hearts on Saturday afternoon, the Lee women’s soccer team ended No.1-ranked Martin Methodist College’s 24-game winning streak with a hard fought 2-1 victory at the RedHawks’ East Campus Soccer Field.
“We dedicated this match to Kelli Lawson and her family,” said coach Matt Yelton after the victory over the defending NAIA National Champions. “I told the girls before the match that we were going to give it our best effort for Kelli. We played excellent soccer and that’s the effort it takes to beat a team like this. Depth was also a key. We were able to use 17 quality players in this win”
Lawson’s mother (Bevra) lost a battle with cancer on Thursday. The Lady Flames returned to Cleveland late Saturday night and the entire team will depart for Xenia, Ohio on Sunday to be with the Lawson family.
It was the “night of the sisters” in the huge win for the Lady Flames. The first goal came in the 10th minutes of heated action when freshman Jamie Achten dished off an assist to her older sister junior Jenna Achten. But the RedHawks showed why they have won two NAIA national titles by scoring in the 44 minute to tie the contest at the half 1-1. Camilla Hovden tallied on Shannon Walter’s assist.
The rugged battle remained that way until the 89 minutes. With time running out, junior Linn Christensen picked up an assist from her twin sister Christiane Christensen and gave the Lady Flames the sweet victory. Just for the records, Martin Methodist’s last defeat came at the hands of the Lady Flames last Sept. 15.
“Our midfield was outstanding and didn’t give Martin a lot of ground to work with,” said Yelton, who watched his club improve to 10-1 on the year. “Marina Lima, Samantha Hare and Jenna Achten controlled their share of the action. Lee goalie Kristi Koudelka, who made her first start of the year after knee surgery last season, recorded 10 key saves. “Her save in the first half was really something special and gave us a needed lift,” noted Yelton.
Lee only attempted 13 shots against the talented RedHawk defense, but seven shots were on target. Martin Methodist fired 18 shots and 11 were on goal. The Lady Flames had four corner kicks and the RedHawks had five.
“The stats show it was an even game,” pointed out Yelton. “Martin Methodist is just going to get better. I expect to see them again somewhere down the road, just like we have for the past three years.” The defeat was the first of the year for the 8-1 MMC club.
Lee will return from Ohio last Monday, and then turn right around on Wednesday and travel to Auburn-Montgomery to resume SSAC play.
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