September 27, 2024 – Two late first-half goals provided the difference for Emporia State as they defeated Newman 2-0 in the MIAA opener on Friday afternoon at the ESU Pitch.
For much of the first half, the Hornets applied pressure to the backline of the Jets, and got the pressure started early with three shots in the first seven minutes. After a long-range attempt from
Aubree Blackman was wide,
Hadlie Lowe recorded two shots with the first forcing a save from the Newman goalkeeper and the second glancing off the left post, nearly securing the first goal of the match.
Emporia State outshot Newman 11-5 in the first half and tallied six corner kicks but were held scoreless until the 42nd minute. The breakthrough for the Hornets came from
Megan Jeremias as a shot from the top right of the box beat the keeper to the bottom left corner as the Hornets took a 1-0 lead. The second goal came quickly after, as Emporia State scored with just under a minute remaining until the halftime break.
The Hornets won a free kick just beyond midfield and
Ella Ruliffson played the ball into the center of the box where
Megan Kephart was waiting to head the ball past the keeper for her first career goal, giving Emporia State the 2-0 advantage.
Following the break, both attacks were limited but were able to generate a shot on goal in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Abby Bachman had an attempt in the 50th minute that forced a Newman save and
Mackenzi Goen recorded a save in the 58th minute.
Despite any late pushes by the Jets to form an attack, the Hornets held them off to see out the 2-0 win at the ESU Pitch, opening MIAA action with a win.
Megan Jeremias scored her second goal this season and the
Megan Kephart scored her first career goal.
Ella Ruliffson's assist to Kephart was the first of her career as she has a point in each of the last two matches because of a free kick.
Emporia State will return to the ESU Pitch on Sunday, September 29 as they host Central Oklahoma. Kickoff between the Hornets and Bronchos is set for 1:00 p.m.
