Neal, Lundqvist lead Heidelberg to first win

September 15, 2014

BOX SCORE

 

 

ANDERSON, Indiana – Christina Neal's late goal and Kenzie Lundqvist's first collegiate clean sheet propelled the Heidelberg University women's soccer team to its first victory of the season. The Student Princes defeated Anderson University, 1-0, on an emotional afternoon for both teams.

It took 89 minutes and 22 seconds for the Heidelberg (1-3-1) to find the back of the net. Kristen Keenan found Christy Anzur open in the penalty area and played a ball to her feet. Anzur touched the ball to Neal on an overlapping run. The senior's initial shot was deflected by Ravens goalkeeper Rebecca Roell, but Neal followed the shot into the net for her fourth goal of the season.

"It was a great attack by Keenan and Anzur," said head coach Nick Spell.  "All three of those ladies had the presence of mind to make the right decision when we needed it the most."

Anderson's best chance came in the 83rd minute. The referee awarded the Ravens (3-2) an indirect free kick inside the penalty area after ruling that Heidelberg played the ball back to Lundqvist. It was a questionable call, but the Ravens could not convert. After a touch, Anderson's Courtney Sparks skied the ball over the crossbar.

Lundqvist made five saves in the win, her first.

"I'm excited for Kenzie to get her first win and shutout," said Spell.  "She's been getting better and better and has come up big.  It helps our defense to know that they have her back there to make tough saves."

Neal led the Student Princes with seven shots on goal.

"It was a tough game for both sides," said Spell.  "Both sides fought hard, but it was nice to come away with a result."

The game's venue was changed to Anderson after the unexpected passing of a mother of one of the Ravens. Rather than not play at all, Heidelberg traveled to Indiana for the non-conference match. Both teams met around the center circle after the game for a prayer.

Heidelberg hosts Manchester on Wednesday at 4 p.m. The non-conference match will be held at the Hidden Valley Soccer Complex.

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