The Emory University women's soccer team returned to competition for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday night, defeating in-state foe Berry College 3-1 at the Woodruff PE Center in Atlanta, GA.
Three unanswered first-half goals proved to be the difference as the Eagles opened the 2021 season in the win column. Senior Lindsey Breskow led the team with a goal and an assist on six shots (four SOG).
After a quiet 20 minutes of action to begin the game, the two programs traded goals just eight seconds apart to lead off the scoring.
The Vikings scored first as Lyndsey Francingues found the back corner from a high vaulted shot from 22 yards out at the 21:24 mark. The Eagles then took the kickoff right down the field and evened the score as Breskow dished it to junior Aubrey Blanchard on a through ball into the 18 where Blanchard was able to put it past the keeper.
The score was deadlocked for less than 10 minutes as Breskow put Emory in front with her first goal of the season at 32:53. Senior Lily Dresner sent a free kick into the 18 where fellow senior Samantha Hilsee tapped it to Breskow who was able to finish.
Sophomore Grace Reyer put the closing touch on the Vikings as she netted her first collegiate tally in the 44th minute. Classmate Mia Han sent a long pass to the center of the field, finding Reyer who was able to beat a defender and the goalkeeper to the left post for the score.
For the game, Emory outshot Berry by a 24-7 margin including an 11-2 edge in shots on goal. The Eagles also drew 15 corner kicks compared to one for the visiting Vikings.
Next up for the Eagles will be Ohio Northern University at Centre College Saturday afternoon. Kickoff from Danville, KY is scheduled for 1:30 PM.