Charleston, Ill.- For the second time this season, freshman forward Dani Wilson played the role of hero for Morehead State soccer, as her penalty kick goal propelled them to a 1-0 victory over Eastern Illinois in double overtime. The win gives them back-to-back wins on the road.
MSU moves to 4-1 in OVC play and is tied for second place with Tennessee Tech. The win also moves them to .500 (7-7-1) for the first time since early September.
It was Wilson, who for the fourth time this season, stepped into the limelight for the Eagles, taking a penalty kick in the 102nd minute. She collected a lead pass from senior midfielder Kim Golden, and entered the goalkeeper’s box where she was interfered with, setting up the penalty kick.
“I could tell back in August when she had her first opportunity, she wanted to be in that kind of position,” said head coach Warren Lipka. “When you see that type of confidence in a player, you become comfortable with putting them in positions to win matches.”
Wilson then beat the keeper, breaking the tie for a 1-0 dramatic win.
Before Wilson’s heroics, it was senior goalkeeper Kaitlynn Murphy who played the role as clutch performer. In the closing seconds of regulation, she had a game saving goal to send the game into overtime.
“Murphy’s save was the difference maker for us,” said Lipka. “Without her ability to make those kind of plays, we wouldn’t be in positions like this to win close games.”
MSU controlled the pace of the contest, outshooting EIU 18-7 and picked up eight corner kicks to the Panthers’ zero. The Eagles put pressure on the EIU defense for all 102 minutes.
“Things have started to come together for us. When you have freshmen like we have, it takes time,” said Lipka “It’s them though, they’ve matured, and we’ve come together as a team.”
The Eagles return to Jayne Stadium for a 7 p.m. showdown against Murray State on Thursday. The Racers currently sit in sole possession of first place in the OVC.
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