Memphis, Tenn. – Lynn University's women's soccer team remained unbeaten in 2011 following a 2-1 victory over No. 18 North Alabama on Sunday. Melissa Ortiz scored both goals for the Fighting Knights, who knocked off their second nationally-ranked team this year. Lynn improves to 3-0-1 overall.
This marks the first time since 1998 that the women's soccer team has beaten two top-25 teams in a season.
"Our girls had to battle to get this victory and I'm extremely proud of their effort," said head coach Chip Dutchik. "Going down early, we could have easily let up but we fought back and battled to the end. Having played 110 minutes on Friday, our legs were tired and we didn't have our normal pace. But I told our girls at halftime we needed to fight to get this victory and they responded."
Nikki Brown put the Lions (4-1-0) on top in the 18th minute of play when she tapped in the rebound of Jennifer Osmond's initial shot. North Alabama's top-two scoring threats, Chloe Roberts and Jamie Takala, were held in check throughout the entire match, though, logging just four shots on goal between them.
Lynn missed an early opportunity in the second half but was able to knot the game at one in the 54th minute when it took advantage of a UNA mistake. Goal keeper Alex McLay was whistled for a hand ball just outside the 18-yard box, setting LU up for a free kick. Ortiz stood over the ball and unleashed a masterful shot through the wall for her second goal of the season.
Only eight minutes later the senior out of Wellington, Fla., would strike again for her seventh career multi-goal game and 10th career game-winning goal. Stealing a pass from the Lions defense, Ortiz saw her opportunity from 35-yards out, ripping an attempt off the crossbar to give Lynn a 2-1 lead.
Kelsey Butler and the rest of the LU defense would do the rest. Butler managed eight saves but most of the Lions attempts came from well outside the 18-yard penalty box.
The Blue & White hosts unbeaten Flagler on Wednesday, September 14, at 3 p.m. in their home opener at the McCusker Sports Complex. Fans can follow all of the action live at www.LynnFightingKnights.com.
