The Morehead State soccer team used a second half offensive outburst to a 3-1 win over VMI on Thursday. The Eagles had three goals waived off due to offside, but were able to score three anyway and finish off the first road trip of the season with a victory, marking the first time MSU has scored three goals in a game since a 3-2 win over Austin Peay on April 2, 2021. Head Coach Chris Fox was very proud of his team following the win.
"Proud of the girls for their spirited performance. There was a vast improvement both with and without the ball today. We defended well and looked dangerous with the ball going forward. We created a lot of chances against a hard working an organized VMI side," said Fox.
In the 57th minute, VMI chose to take a corner kick short, which quickly turned disastrous for the Keydets, as an Eagle takeaway turned into a counterattack that resulted in a goal. Nicole Fiantaco carried the ball down the right side, and fired in a ball that went off the crossbar, but Hadley Cytron was right there to tap it in for the lead and her first goal as an Eagle.
Morehead State ramped up the pressure after that goal, as Erin Fite carried the ball into VMI's defensive third in the 75th minute and took a shot but had it blocked. Eli Söderberg found herself in the right place at the right time, heading the deflection into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.
VMI got a goal back on a beautiful strike from Bella Bruzonic that was just out of the reach of a diving Michelle Jerantowski to make the score 2-1 in the 81st minute, but the Eagles weren't done scoring.
On another counterattack, Sejla Podzic made a run down the left side before delivering a beautiful cross to the far post that Nicole Fiantaco put in the net, sealing the victory.
Michelle Jerantowski finished with two saves. Erin Fite, Sejla Podzic, and Nicole Fiantaco all had assists in the contest. The Eagles set a new season high in shots with 18, including eight on goal, and held possession for nearly 70% of the match. With the win, Morehead State moved to 4-0 all-time vs. VMI.
Next up for the soccer team is a match with Queens (N.C.) on Sunday at 1 pm.
By Hunter Hurst, Morehead State Athletic Media Relations