Lenoir-Rhyne women’s soccer enacted revenge on the Florida Tech in their home opener on Tuesday, taking down the Panthers 3-2. This game was a rematch of last year’s NCAA Quarterfinal that saw Florida Tech take down LR 5-4.
The Bears jumped on the Panthers early, with Evan O’Leary scored in the first minute of the game. The Bears added a penalty kick by Emerson Talley to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Following a pair of goals from the Panthers to tie the game, Alice Bjornsson gave the Bears the victory with her game-winning goal in the 75th minute.
Kara Gavaghan took the ball down the sideline right after kickoff and delivered a beautiful cross to O’Leary to give the Bears an opening minute goal. In the 38th minute, the Panthers fouled the Bears in the box and Talley converted the penalty kick to give the Bears a 2-0 lead.
The Panthers made some adjustments in the second half, tying the game up with two Lauryn Wood goals.
With the game tied and less then fifteen minutes remaining, Bjornsson got space right outside the box and drilled the ball to back far corner to give the Bears the 3-2 win.
Florida Tech out shot the Bears 15-9 and had 4-3 advantage on corner kicks. Riley Miller made a season high six saves in goal, all in the first half.
These teams have met in the Elite 8 twice in the last three years, Florida Tech won 5-4 last year and the Bears advanced on PK’s in 2021. This was the first win against the Panthers in their 8th career meeting (1-3-4).
O’Leary’s goal was her first of the season and 19th of her career. Talley’s goal was her third of the season after a pair in the season opener against UNC-Pembroke.
The Bears are 2-0-2 overall and will return to South Atlantic Conference play with Emory & Henry comes to town on Saturday. Kick-off is schedule for 7:30pm.
{Information provided by Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics}
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