ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - After nearly 80 minutes of scoreless action, the Eckerd women's soccer team was awarded a penalty kick, and Aisling Spillane delivered to lift the Tritons over the Spring Hill (Ala.) 1-0 at Johnson Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Tritons started the game hot, firing off three shots in the first five minutes of the game. EC carried the momentum through the half with 10 shots in the opening frame. Paula Gallardo Villanueva, Brooke Bisko, and Kaia Senecal each had quality chances but were stifled by the Badgers' keeper, Carlotta Stark. Eckerd's defense was locked down, not allowing a single shot in the first 45 minutes to keep the score 0-0 heading into the break.
The Badgers put more offensive pressure in the second half, with an early shot that was turned aside by Cadence Talbert. In the 80th minute, Ciara Bridges fouled Brooke Bisko in the box to award the Tritons a penalty kick. Spillane converted to give Eckerd the go-ahead with just ten minutes remaining. Sierra Hudson got one last shot off in the final minute that was stopped by Stark for her seventh save of the game.
HOW IT ENDED
FINAL: Eckerd 1, Spring Hill 0
RECORDS: Eckerd 1-1 (0-0 SSC), Spring Hill (Ala.) 0-2 (0-0 GSC)
SCORING SUMMARY: EC - Spillane (unassisted) 80'
NOTES AND NUMBERS
- Spillane's goal was her first of the season and the sixth of her career.
- Spillane and Bisko fired five shots apiece, followed by Gallardo Villanueva with three.
- Spillane and Gallardo Villanueva each had two shots on goal.
- Talbert recorded her first shutout of the season and fifth of her career.
- EC outshot SHC 20-1 and 8-1 in shots on goal.
- Eckerd led in corner kicks 3-2.
UP NEXT
Eckerd returns home on Tuesday to face off against Webber (Fla.) at Johnson Field with a 7:00 PM kickoff.
