DJ Lindquist | Echo
The Taylor women's soccer team lost to Marian University 2-1. The loss marks the Trojans' first in the Crossroads League this season.
The first half looked promising for the Trojans, with senior midfielder Amanda Roden scoring in the ninth minute off a pass from senior forward Dani Goecke.
Once the second half hit, the game went downhill for the Trojans. Marian scored in the 63rd minute and found a game-winner in the 79th minute.
It was a tough loss for the Trojans, who have not yet faced their strongest competition in the Crossroads League.
"Marian and Bethel are our easiest games in the conference," said head coach Scott Stan. "They were must-win games based on the upcoming talent in the Crossroads League."
With another solid performance Wednesday night, Roden proved she can be a difference-maker. She was voted All-Conference last year and was included in the first-team All-American list. In the past five games, she netted three game-winning goals as a midfielder and played a variety of roles for the team.
"She is as close to superhuman as they get," Stan said. "It seems she never gets tired, which is why we can use her in a variety of ways for this team. It's fair to say she goes above and beyond what we ask of her."
Senior goalkeeper Kristiana Daniels is also a key player this season and will need to be stalwart in order for the Trojans to win upcoming games. According to Stan, she provides the team with a sense of security in the net as the best goalie in the conference.
Although Daniels instills confidence in the team, the Trojans realize the team must be better as a whole, especially offensively.
"We are focusing on generating scoring chances, not just shooting chances, in these upcoming games," Stan said. "We lead in shots in each of our losses but don't generate enough scoring chances."
Taylor looks to improve its 1-1 conference record as it takes on Indiana Wesleyan at 7 p.m. Monday at New Stadium.
Photograph by Josh Adams
