No. 16 Taylor Defeats MVNU 2-0 Behind Luttrell's Brace

UPLAND, Ind. — Eliza Luttrell continued her remarkable season with a pair of goals, leading No. 16 Taylor to a 2-0 victory over Mount Vernon Nazarene on a rainy Saturday evening at Turner Stadium. The program recognized its seven seniors at halftime: Brianna Rawlings, Shalyn Hussey, Libby Thomas, Evie Kerr, Brooke Cimini, Kiana Siefert, and Morgan Fletemeyer.

The Trojans (12-2-1, 4-2-1 CL) dominated from start to finish, outshooting the Cougars 18-10 and recording their 10th shutout of the season — tied for the second most in the nation. The victory moves TU into a tie with No. 13 Spring Arbor for fourth place in the Crossroads League table with 13 points.

Luttrell's two goals give her 12 on the season, the most by a TU women's soccer player since Erin Teevans scored 12 in 2018. It marked the fourth career brace for the talented forward and her third multi-goal game this season.

TU set the tone early, peppering MVNU goalkeeper Hannah Miller with eight first-half shots. Siefert tested Miller just over three minutes in, followed by a dangerous effort from Millie Jones that forced another save in the 16th minute off a corner kick.

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Siefert delivered a precision cross to the far post, and Luttrell rose to meet it with a volley that gave Miller no chance, sending the Trojans into halftime with a 1-0 advantage. Cimini nearly struck with the first goal moments earlier, when her 35-yard free kick down the center channel forced a save.

The Trojans continued their attacking pressure after the break. TU's relentless attack produced 11 second-half shots while limiting MVNU to just six.

Luttrell provided the insurance goal in the 78th minute with another moment of brilliance.

Thomas initiated the sequence with a throw-in, and Siefert's volley toward the box picked up pace as it bounced through the wet turf. Luttrell collected the ball on the far side of the penalty area and flicked a left-footed strike that sailed over the keeper into the far-left corner.

Rawlings made four saves when called upon, earning her ninth victory between the posts.

Taylor returns to action next Saturday, Oct. 25, when they travel to Huntington.