Trojans Roll Past Mighty Oaks, 3-0

UPLAND, Ind. – The Taylor University women's soccer team continued its fast start to the season, collecting its third straight shutout following Wednesday's 3-0 triumph over Oakland City at Turner Stadium.

TU (3-0-0) struck first in the 10th minute on Eliza Luttrell's second goal of the season, which would've been all the offense needed after another stalwart defensive showing by the Trojans.

Lydia Johnson and Leah McQuade also scored their second goals of the season, while Kiana Siefert notched a pair of assists.

With the win, TU has posted 30 wins in its last 36 home non-conference games, going 30-3-3 (.833) since the 2016 season.

Leading up to the first goal, Luttrell made an outstanding defensive play, poking the ball from a defender nearly 40 yards out and taking the breakaway down the right slot, where she beat the keeper one-on-one from eight yards out.

Luttrell and Leah McQuade were active early in the contest and generating constant pressure throughout the attacking end.

The Mighty Oaks had a few chances around the top of the penalty area but the TU back line made consistent plays, blocking the majority of shots to prevent scoring chances.

After outpacing the visitors 8-3 in shots, the Trojans took the 1-0 advantage into halftime before tacking on two additional goals over the second stanza.

In the 66th minute, Johnson tapped in a low cross from Siefert to make it 2-0 Trojans.

Meskerem James set Siefert up with a great through-ball toward the right corner. Siefert beat her defender to the end line before dumping off the pass toward the center of the box.

Siefert also delivered the assist on the final strike, sending a left-footed cross to the box where McQuade made a great touch and popped a header up over the keeper.

Overall, the Trojans outshot the Mighty Oaks 17-8 and held a considerable edge in corner tries, 7-0. McQuade led TU with two shots on target.

TU keeper Brianna Rawlings registered three saves in the second half, making a few key defensive stops over the final 15 minutes of action.

Rawlings remained unbeaten in net this season without surrendering a goal, earning her sixth career shutout and 12th career victory.

The Trojans will return to action next Wednesday, Sept. 3, when Trinity Christian makes the trip to Upland for a 4 p.m. kickoff at Turner Stadium.