INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian women's soccer team moved their way to the Crossroads League Tournament Semifinals after defeating Mount Vernon Nazarene 1-0 Saturday afternoon. Lindsey Stoughton's second half goal proved to be the game winning goal as the Knights improve to 13-2-3 overall.

Mount Vernon was on the attack from the starting whistle as they fired off the first two shots of the afternoon, with both being saved by Mycheala Johnson. The two teams were evenly matched to begin the game, with possession oscillating back and forth. Defense was the talk of the first half as both teams struggling to produce anything on the offensive end. After the Cougars took their only two attempts of the half in the early minutes, the Knights had their first look in the 35th minute as Gretchen Mallin booted one high, while Bridget Stratman fired one on frame to make the goalie work for the save. Mallin had the last say of half but her shot would once again be saved the MVNU keeper.

The first half proved to be a defensive effort on both ends, with only a total of five shots being taken in the first 45 minutes with Marian holding the 3-2 advantage. 

Marian came out on the attack to begin the second half, making aggressive runs and producing three corner kicks in the first five minutes. The decisive moment of the afternoon came at the 53:52 mark after Grace Crawford out ran the defense to cross the ball inside the box, finding Lindsey Stoughton who found a way to score. The Cougars tried to repay the favor back to the Knights, but it was Johnson coming up big to keeper team ahead at 1-0. Mount Vernon continued their attack with a pair of corner and a shot, but their efforts would come up empty. Marian tried to extend their lead in the 79th minute as Stoughton took her second shot of the game, and moments later Delaney Taylor blasted one just wide of the goal. 

The final seven minutes were crunch time for visitors as they were seeking the equalizing goal. With 21 ticks left on the clock, the Cougars found themselves with a chance to even the score but it was Johnson there making the diving save to keep Marian ahead 1-0. 

In Marian's six shots, Stoughton and Mallin led the way with two each, with Stoughton having the only goal of the day. Stratman and Taylor each added a shot, while Crawford had the assist. Johnson picked up the shutout in her 90 minutes of work, making four saves on the day. 


 

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