Belmont Scrambles for 1-0 Win Over EIU

Two scrambles in front of the goal determined Sunday’s Ohio Valley Conference women’s soccer match as Belmont picked up a 1-0 victory over Eastern Illinois.

The first scramble occurred with 22 minutes remaining in the second half as Eastern Illinois played the ball into the goal box on a cross from Lindsey Carlson.  Chloe Gottschalk and Malorie Henderlong both had contact with the ball that eventually found the back of the net off the foot of Henderlong to give the Panthers an apparent 1-0 lead.  During the scramble in the box following the first touch, the side official waved offsides and the goal was disallowed.

The next scramble came in front of the EIU goal box after Bailey Heywood sent an initial ball into the goal box.  Emily Whitcomb would finally be credited with edging the ball across the goal line as the goal was signaled good by the side official following a consultation with the head referee.   Whitcomb’s goal was her second of the season and was unassisted in the 75th minute.

EIU had two final shots on goal with Belmont’s goalkeeper Stephanie Bukovec making both saves.  The shots came off the foot of Emma Scaro and a header by Gottschalk, both in the final five minutes of regulation.

Belmont finished with ten total shots, seven shots on goal.  EIU goalkeeper Sara Teteak finished with six saves.

Belmont improved to 3-6-3 on the season, 2-2 in the OVC.   EIU fell to 4-8 overall, 1-3 in the OVC.