The Blackburn College Women’s Soccer Team defeated Finlandia University in a non-conference match in Milwaukee on Wednesday afternoon. The Beavers win was the second consecutive after their victory against Rockford University on Sunday.
The Beavers and the Lions traded scoring opportunities in the game’s opening half as each team managed eight shots. The teams went into halftime tied 0-0. Blackburn started to gain the upper hand during the second half. Despite outshooting the Lions 9-3, the game remained tied after 90 minutes. The match then moved into overtime periods. Blackburn added four more scoring opportunities in the first overtime but again was unable to find the game winning goal. Jessica Esper (Riverton, IL) finally brought the match to an end with an unassisted breakaway in the game’s 106th minute. The back four of Alexis Richie (Carlinville, IL), Emma Witte (Festus, MO), Christy Hobbs (Highland, IL), and Jourdin McFarland (Carlinville, IL) played a strong match and helped the team earn its third shutout of the season. Goalkeeper Nicole Kelly (St. Louis, MO) made six saves and has allowed only five goals through seven matches.
The victory improved the team’s record to 4-3. Blackburn concludes its second trip of the season to Milwaukee Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. against Alverno College. The ladies next home match is Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. against Mount St. Joseph from Cincinnati, Ohio.