Trojans Win Final Home Match, Record First Victory Over WKU

Thursday, October 21

Troy, AL

1:00 p.m.

Troy University

Western Kentucky University

Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer

Trojans Win Final Home Match, Record First Victory Over WKU

10/21/2010 3:57:58 PM | Soccer

Troy defeated WKU for the first time in school history behind Madden and Morris

By: Ben Maxwell

Box Score

TROY, Ala. – The Troy University soccer team defeated WKU 2-1 in its final home match of the regular season Thursday afternoon, a match that helps the Trojans push further ahead of three teams in the race for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

“I'm really excited for the girls,” said head coach Chris Bentley. “They have put a lot of hours into training and it's great to see their hard work paying off.”

Troy (10-6-1, 5-4 Sun Belt) came into the match looking to bounce back from a tough loss on the road at Arkansas State over the weekend, and to do so had to take on one of the hottest teams in the conference. The Trojans did just that, taking control of the match quickly as forward Ruth Sutcliffe recorded her first shot of the match in just the second minute.

It would only take minutes later for the Trojans to strike on the score board as midfielder April Madden scored on a header from teammate's Mary Morris first corner kick of the match in the 11th minute.

Troy's defense, playing without starting goalkeeper Ashley Branham stymied the WKU offense throughout the first half; allowing just one shot in the first 45 minutes of action. Freshman goalkeeper Caitlin Buono made her collegiate debut, and recorded four saves in the match, replacing Branham.

After the intermission, Troy came out strong yet again as Mary Morris was able to finish a pass from Sutcliffe in the 52nd minute to put the Trojans up by two. Sutcliffe beat her defender to the touchline and crossed a blind pass to Morris who knocked by the WKU goalkeeper challenging the pass.

Sutcliffe's assist ties the school record for the most assists in a season with seven; tying a record held by a trio of players including current teammate Nikki Stamaris who tied the record last year. Morris' goal puts her one behind the school record for most points in a career as she now has 46 career points, trailing only teammate Jill Pinder in that category.

The Trojans did have a setback in the 87th minute of the match as WKU forward Laura Ray scored the first goal for the Lady Toppers.

Troy now turns its sights to Middle Tennessee who is currently second in the Sun Belt standings. Now with a victory over the Lady Toppers who were tied with Middle Tennessee and North Texas, the Trojans can greatly improve their post season hopes by defeating the Blue Raiders as well.

“Right now we need to work on recovery and prepare mentally for Middle Tennessee,” said Bentley. “Middle Tennessee is a tough place to play at and a tough team so we will need to go in there fully prepared.”

The Trojans travel to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to take on the Blue Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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