The Cardinals looked to continue their strong attacking style of play at home today against the Lady Pilots of Bethel College. Their last game was in West Palm Beach versus Florida Memorial College where the Cardinals netted five goals. Coach Steve Shelton hoped his team would come out with the same aggressions today, but saw many near misses in the first half. Several breakaway opportunities by Janaya Lothian (FR/Hamilton, Ont.) and constant activity around the net but to no avail. The Cardinals took twelve shots on goal in the first half, but found themselves trailing the Lady Pilots at halftime 0-1.
After a halftime talk by Coach Shelton, the Cardinals seemed much quicker to the ball and dominated the possession game. The first goal came on the 8th of 16 corner kicks for the game when a nicely placed ball in the 50' by Lora Palushaj (JR/South Lyon, MI) was punched in by Meghan Stephens (SR/Saline, MI). Five minutes later an unassisted corner kick by Lora Palushaj found the back of the net to push the Cardinals lead to 2-1. The Pilots countered but a nice save by Freshman, Maria Lulgjuuraj kept the Cardinals in the lead. The Cardinals found their insurance goal in the 86' when Janaya Lothian kicked one in on an assist from Meghan Stephens. The Cardinals dominated shots on goal overall for the game by out-kicking the Lady Pilots (27-3)
With the win, the Cardinals move their overall record at Cardinal Stadium to 9-0-1. The Cardinals will take their season record of 3-1 to Concordia Wisconsin where they will face the Falcons Friday, September 4th at 4pm EST in the Concordia Invitational Tournament. They will also square off against nationally ranked, (#17) Trinity International on Saturday, September 5th.
