Jeff Yoder | Echo
The Taylor women's soccer team traveled to Owensboro, Ky., Wednesday evening to record their fourth shutout of the season in a dominating victory over Brescia University, 9-0, despite pregame difficulties.
The team was stalled on their way to the game because of a bus breakdown that cost them a few hours. After having only ten minutes to warm up, the Trojans jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the half when senior forward Molly Drooger, the NAIA's leading goal scorer, netted her 13th goal of the season.
It didn't take long before the TU women's squad put Brescia in their rearview mirror as they went on to score eight goals in the second from a flurry of different players. Sophomore Emily Brydon and juniors Dani Goecke and Amanda Roden put in two goals apiece in the second stanza while freshmen Shannon Jacobsen and Lauren Pfeifer scored one apiece.
Taylor recorded 24 shots on goal (37 shots total) to one total shot for the Bearcats. Goalkeeper Kristiana Griffith carded yet another shutout as the Trojans have outscored opponents 23-6 in all seven games this season.
Drooger, who has been punishing opposing defenses and finishing shots at a high rate, has taken over the top of the NAIA in goals scored through the first three weeks of the season.
"(Molly) has added the ability to carry the team when the other players are struggling to score," said head coach Scott Stan. "She has clearly shouldered the load offensively so far this season, becoming a Taylor University highlight reel."
Drooger became Taylor women's soccer's all-time leading goal scorer last season.
The Trojans are now 6-1 on the season and will face off with Calumet of St. Joseph at home tomorrow at 7 p.m.
Photography by Timothy P. Riethmiller
