November 14, 2021-In a top 25 title game, Emporia State got a goal from
Aislinn Hughes in the 57
th minute and held on to defeat Central Missouri 1-0 to win the Hornets first MIAA Soccer Championship.
The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie after the first 45 minutes. The Hornets outshot the Jennies 15-4 with a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal during the first half. Although there were only 12 fouls called in the first half, there were a combined five yellow cards with each coach getting one in addition to UCM's Sydney Leslie and Emporia State's
Ashlyn Lakin and
Joanie Westcoat.
The Hornets finally broke through in the 57
th minute.
Hannah Woolery took a shot from outside the box that was deflected out resulting in a corner kick. Woolery took the corner from the left side of the goal and
Aislinn Hughes was able to head the ball into the net between the keeper and a defender with 33:48 left in the match.
Leading 1-0 Westcoat was called for her second yellow card with 18:34 left in the match and the Hornets were forced to play the remainder of the match down a player. Despite the disadvantage, Emporia State maintained control of the ball and outshot UCM 3-2 the remainder of the match.
The Jennies had a chance to tie with around ten minutes remaining. Ashleigh Martin took the ball deep down the left side and her shot crossed the goal and bounced off the right post.
The Hornets were able to hold off UCM the rest of the way as they were able to secure the first MIAA Championship in the 20 year history of the program. For the match Emporia State outshot Central Missouri 27-12 with a 10-3 advantage on goal.
Emporia State, now 18-2-1, secured the MIAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and will find out where they are playing during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday at 5:00 p.m.
NOTES:
Emporia State shut out all three opponents in the MIAA Tournament, the first team to do so since UCM in 2016.
