DAYTONA, Fla. – It was an interesting opening day for the Lee women's soccer team. Their contest with host Embry-Riddle University was delayed by weather some five hours before finally beginning late Thursday afternoon and then another weather delay before halftime in the contest.
When all was said and done, the rugged and very physical battle with the Eagles ended in a 1-1 draw. The Flames grabbed a 1-0 lead at the 8:18 mark in the opening half on a goal by sophomore midfielder Emma Nelson. The half ended with Lee leading 1-0.
It was all Flames in the opening stanza. They took eight shots and placed four on goal and had three corner kicks. The Eagles had problems against Lee's solid defense. They did not record a shot but did have four corner kicks.
Embry-Riddle regrouped during the break and quickly tied the contest on Agnes Vigholm's goal only four minutes deep into the second half. The Eagles were able to put up five shots overall but still had just two on target.
For the game, Lee took 14 shots and had four on goal. Besides the tally by Nelson, Sam Sheffield placed two on goal and Ava Smith had one. In a shot that would have put the Lady Flames up, Madleen Franz hit the ball with her well-placed attempt midway of the second half.
Lee had four corner kicks overall and the Eagles were awarded three. Abby Whitcomb, who is in her fifth year as a Flame goalkeeper, collected a save while Stella Roane collected five key saves for Embry-Riddle.
Things do not get any easier for Coach Lee Hughes and his Flames. They will continue their road adventures on Saturday as they move onto Melbourne, Fla. and will face Franklin Pierce University. The Rindge, New Hampshire team finished second in the Division II National Championship Tournament last season. The contest is slated for a 4 p.m. first kick.
Coach Lee Hughes' thoughts:
"We are leaving a little disappointed with that one! We thought we had enough chances to put the game away. Credit to ERAU though, they are a very well coached team and made it really difficult for us. We are very happy with the toughness our team showed and we have a group that will fight for each other every step of the way. The girls are excited for another chance to play on Saturday."
