2009 Women's Soccer

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lions' 2009 soccer season came to a close with a 2-0 loss to Union (Tenn.) University on a chilly Thursday evening at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex.

FHU's best scoring chance in their final match of the season came early.  In the fifth minute, Whitney Newby broke free through the left side of the box and sent a ball to Helena Yegros who was coming in from behind.  Yegros, however, was unable to get her foot on the ball and it was cleared away by a Union defender.

Union had a pair of good chances early, but a pair of Steffi King shots with FHU keeper Tiffany Harris out of the net sailed high.

The match remained scoreless until the 42nd minute, when Union finally got on the board after Katelin Dirksen scored from near the left post on a cross from Korie Elrod.

The Lady Bulldogs controlled the run of play in the second half, but the Lady Lion defense did an excellent job of keeping them from getting back on the scoreboard for the majority of the half.  Union added a second goal in the 88th minute when Lindsey McGary's cross attempt was deflected into the crossbar by Harris, and the ball dropped down behind the goal line.

"I thought our girls really competed today," said FHU head coach Jason Elliott.  "I was proud of how hard we played and showed a lot of heart.  Union has a good team and is the second team in conference.  I thought defensively this was one of our best games of the year."

Union took 31 shots in the match, 14 of which were on goal.  Harris stopped nine shots for the Lady Lions to finish the season with 149 saves.

The Lady Lions, who have no seniors and only five upperclassmen on the roster, finish the season with a record of 2-13-2.

"Our season was not what we hoped it would be but I think we have a lot to build on," Elliott said.  "I don't know that I have coached a team with more injuries and key players out as this year's team." 

"We did not have Julie Bracknell for most of the year, Whitney Newby and Shelby Murray played with bad ankles, and other starters like Alyssa Resmini and Naomi Pugh were out for a while. Despite all the injuries our team played hard and together for the entire season.  We think we have a lot of work to do but a lot of potential as well."