The Ashland University women's soccer team ran its winning streak to four and its unbeaten streak to six with a 2-0 win at Parkside on Sunday (Oct. 6) afternoon in Kenosha, Wis.
Senior midfielder Juliana Markovic scored both goals as the Eagles (7-1-1, 2-0 GLIAC) improved to 6-1 away from Ferguson Field this season.
The Rangers (5-5, 0-2 GLIAC) provided an defensive challenge for the Eagles, leading the match in shots, 20-17, and shots on goal, 10-5, but the AU defense was equal to the task and turned away the home side on every chance.
Parkside had most of the advantage in the first half, but the game was wide open with a total of 17 shots.
The Eagles made the breakthrough in the 22nd minute as senior Emily Ledbetter made a run down the left wing and squared a ball to Markovic just outside the box where she was brought down 20 yards from goal, giving the Eagles a free kick in a dangerous spot.
Markovic stepped over the ball and drove the free kick toward the right post where it deflected off the keeper's hands and just over the line.
Ashland took more control of the game in the second half, holding a 12-8 edge in shots, and doubled its lead eight minutes after the intermission.
The Eagles put together a gorgeous spell of possession that led to the second goal as junior Hannah Riddle played a long ball to junior Nadya Boualany, who timed her run to get behind the Parkside defense.
Boualany then crossed for Markovic, who settled it with a touch and beat the Parkside keeper to make it 2-0. The goal capped a 14-pass sequence for the Eagles.
Junior Hannah Lee was excellent minding the AU goal, making 10 saves to preserve her second consecutive clean sheet. Riddle and sophomore center back Tori Baker provided the necessary support in front to keep the Rangers from getting into dangerous areas.
The Eagles will return home from their four-game road trip on Friday (Oct. 11) to play Northwood in GLIAC action. Kickoff at Ferguson Field is set for 7 p.m. The Eagles beat the Timberwolves, 2-1, on Sept. 27 in Midland, Mich.
AU
WSOC/BB