Evans Leads Lancers To Victory
FORT WAYNE – Senior Jocelyn Evans scored two goals, including a late game winner, as Grace’s women’s soccer team defeated Saint Francis 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
With the win, Grace pulled itself into a three-way tie for second place in the Crossroads League standings with three matches remaining.
Grace scored its first goal off a set piece after a foul by Saint Francis outside the penalty box. Carianne Sobey hammered the free kick off the gloves of the Cougars’ goalkeeper, and Jocelyn Evans was there to finish the rebound in the fifth minute of play.
Grace moved the ball patiently throughout the match against physical play from Saint Francis that resulted in three yellow cards for the Cougars.
The Cougars (9-6; 4-2 CL) became much more direct in their attack in the final period and found an equalizer in the second half. The referee awarded Saint Francis a penalty kick at the 62:12 mark, which the Cougars converted.
Grace began to counter successfully against Saint Francis’s aggressive play and earned a corner kick in the 85th minute.
Sobey’s corner kick bounced to Holly Bennett, who redirected the cross with her hip to Evans for the game-winning goal from close range.
“I am pleased with the result. We were very composed as a team and had two good finishes considering the conditions,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “We defended well as the only goal we surrendered was a penalty kick. Abigail Burns had a good performance for us in goal handling the wet conditions and the long-range shooting.”
Senior goalkeeper Abigail Burns earned the win in goal as she made five saves in 90 minutes of action.
The Lady Lancers will conclude their regular season with a three-game home stand. Grace will host Mount Vernon Nazarene on Wednesday at 4 p.m., Marian on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. and Goshen on Oct. 23 at 4 p.m.