JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.- Another stellar offensive performance by Carson-Newman (6-2-2, 5-1) helps defeat Mars Hill (3-4-1, 0-3-1) on Wednesday evening at McCown field, 4-1.
"We came out and forced the issue in the second half," Coach Simon Duffy said. "I'm happy with the score line, goals could've been a bit more clinical, I'm not going to complain whatsoever. Disappointed to kind of give up that goal, but it was a wonderful strike. It was a good win overall."
The win extends C-N's home unbeaten streak to 10 games. It also gives the Eagles their fifth straight win, all wins coming in SAC play.
The win also puts C-N in first place in the SAC standings with 15 points.
Carson-Newman's offense wasted no time applying pressure on the Mars Hill defense. The first opportunity came in the 3rd minute as sophomore Nellie Bryneus fired a shot on target that was saved. A minute later, senior Addie Henry sent a header off the post that was eventually cleared away. Bryneus and Henry each fired another shot in the 6th and 11th minutes.
C-N had five corners in the first 32 minutes but could not take advantage of the corner kicks. Bryneus made something happen in the 37th minute as she made an excellent run that forced a Mars Hill foul in the box leading to a penalty kick opportunity. Freshman Felicia Frick stepped up and buried the penalty kick in the bottom left corner to put C-N up 1-0. The penalty goal was her second goal of the year, both have been PK's.
The Eagles offense was just getting warmed up on a cool evening in Mossy Creek. In the 58th minute, Carina Wust sent a good pass to Savannah Fields who delivered a shot in the upper right corner of goal to put C-N up 2-0. Fields' goal was her first of the season. She becomes the 11th different Eagle to score a goal this season.
Mars Hill had an answer, as the Lions drew a free kick just outside the box. Marianne Ross stood over the free kick and sent a beautiful shot in the upper left corner of goal to trim the C-N lead in half at 2-1.
The Eagles had answers for the Lions' goal. In the 68th minute, sophomore Sydnee Duncan sent a shot that slid right under the goalie to help increase the Eagles lead to 3-1. It was her third goal of the season.
Just four minutes later, it was senior defender Jente Kuper fired a ball that was deflected by a Mars Hill player that fell into the right side of goal to put the Eagles ahead 4-1. The goal was her second this season.
The Eagles defense held strong in the final 15 minutes to take the contest. Goalkeeper Laura Germes recorded two saves in the win.
C-N outshot Mars Hill 24-3, and 10-3 in shots on goal. Carina Wust and Selina Jud led the team with four shots a piece.
Under Duffy, the Eagles are 22-4-1 against the SAC at home and 2-0 this season.
C-N returns to the pitch on Saturday night for a 7:30 p.m. match against Newberry. Saturday's match is senior night for the Eagles.
