SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Freshman Katherine Keys turned in the timeliest performance of her young career by netting a pair of goals, one in each half, to lead the No. 19 John Brown University women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over No. 24 Science & Arts (Okla.) at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 5).
With the win, the Golden Eagles (6-4-1, 3-0-0 Sooner Athletic) handed Science & Arts (9-1-1, 2-1-0) its first loss of the season. Meanwhile, JBU's disciplined defense and possession advantage produced a third-straight win to open Sooner Athletic Conference play.
Keys opened the scoring in the 14th minute, when junior Aubrey Winter delivered a pinpoint corner service to sophomore Julia Lambert at the back post, where Lambert directed a header toward the goal. As the Drover defense failed to clear the danger, Keys pounced on the loose ball, blasting it into the net from just five yards out. The strike marked her third goal of the season and gave the Golden Eagles an early advantage.
In the second half, Keys struck again in the 78th minute, capping off a brilliant passing sequence. Senior Lauren Walter initiated the attack from the left flank, threading a pass to Lambert, who skillfully one-touched it into the path of Winter streaking up the sideline. Winter's perfectly-placed cross found its way into the box, where Keys, unmarked, calmly slotted the ball into the goal for her fourth of the season, doubling the home side's advantage.
Despite strong pressure from Drovers, particularly in the second half, JBU's defense, anchored by freshman Marely Fonseca (3-1-0), stood firm. Fonseca set a new career high with seven saves in the clean sheet effort, securing her third shutout of the season.
USAO's attack, led by Mabel Cremers and Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir, matched JBU with seven shots on goal but couldn't find a way past Fonseca and the Golden Eagles' backline.
Both teams registered seven shots on goal, while JBU outshot the Drovers 19-12 overall. The match also saw a high number of corner kicks, with JBU earning nine compared to USAO's six.
The Golden Eagles will take its three-match unbeaten streak in league play to Oklahoma City on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 8) when John Brown takes on Mid-America Christian (Okla.) at Dill Field. The match is slated for a 5:00 p.m. start, and will be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network (for a fee).
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