Taylor women’s soccer defeated St. Francis Saturday at Turner Stadium by a score of 3-1. The victory was their 10th of the season and improved their record to 10-3-1.
Junior Emma Walsh scored the first goal within the 17th minute and then a second goal exactly 18 minutes into the first half. Walsh’s goals were followed by a goal scored by freshman AC Hardy within the 26th minute of the game.
In the meantime, the Trojans did not let up. During the first half, Taylor maintained possession of the ball long enough to take 11 additional shots.
Senior outside defender Hannah Waltz said the amount of possession time as well as the efforts of the defense allowed the team to stand their ground and keep St. Francis from scoring any goals in the first half.
“We really did a good job with defense, keeping them out of our half. We were able to possess the ball on offense and our strikers were able to get into their box,” Waltz said.
According to Walsh, her two goals came about only with the help of her team.
“Our success really came from our team as a cohesive unit,” Walsh said. “This set me up for two goals.”
This cohesive unit consisted of every healthy and available player having some playing time which included 10 subs and 11 starters.
Walsh said she felt this was the team’s best game of the season.
Saturday’s game was also senior night. Waltz and Emma Walsh, who is graduating early in May 2020, were among those who stood alongside their families to be honored for their dedication.
Head Coach Scott Stan said seeing the seniors be honored along with their families, friends and even fiancés was the biggest highlight of Saturday’s game for him.
During the second half, the Trojans were able to keep St. Francis from scoring until Hannah Erhardt scored a goal during the 62nd minute, their first and only goal.
The Trojans however regrouped and kept St. Francis from scoring any more goals.
On Wednesday the Trojans suffered a 2-0 loss against Indiana Wesleyan that dropped their record to 10-4-1.
Despite Wednesday’s loss, the Trojans hope to finish strong with only two more regular season matches left before the Crossroads League Tournament.
Walsh said she has high hopes for the rest of the season. She hopes to end her college soccer career by helping the team finish strong. Walsh said by playing for God and the person playing next to them, they play their best.
The Trojans will play Huntington on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. The game will be at Huntington.
On Oct. 23, the Trojans will face Mount Vernon in their final game of the season.
