ADA – Ashley Bradford is starting to make it a habit of recording game-winning goals.

            For the second match, Bradford tallied the game-winning score, though it was early this time, as East Central University edged Emporia State 1-0 Sunday to wrap up play in the Great American Conference/Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Soccer Challenge at Lady Tiger Field.

            Bradford’s score, an unassisted effort in the sixth minute, came when she chipped a shot over the head of Hornet goalkeeper Nikki Schmitz from 20 yards out.

            It was the second straight match in which she provided the game-winning score for the Lady Tigers. On Friday, Bradford’s golden goal in the 95^th minute (during overtime) gave ECU a season-opening 3-2 victory over Missouri Western State. She also assisted on the game-tying goal late in regulation of that contest.

            “We started the ball out wide. Ashley just took the ball and had a great finish,” said ECU head coach Riley Bailey about Sunday’s goal. “I’m very proud of the girls to start the season this way, but I saw some things we need to work on.”

            The Lady Tigers, who moved to 2-0 on the season, out-shot ESU by a 19-9 margin and held a 9-6 edge in shots on goal.

            Defense proved to be big for ECU as senior goalkeeper Natalie Wilson was credited with six saves in earning the shutout win.

            “Defensively, we organized well against their three attacking players. They were especially dangerous down the left side of the field,” Bailey said.

            Wilson was also helped by stellar defensive efforts from Margaret Glutz and Laura McNab.

            “For a freshman, playing 90 minutes in her first collegiate games, Margo really organized the defense well. She shut down their attackers and won the ball,” said Bailey. “Laura did well this weekend. It’s always great when a defensive player can score like Laura did on Friday. She did well winning air balls and helping Margaret organize the defense.”

            ECU now hits the road for three straight matches with the first coming up on Thursday as they visit Newman University for a 7 p.m. kickoff in Wichita, Kan. The Lady Tigers will stay in Wichita and play host Friends University on Saturday, also at 7 p.m. ECU then plays at Rhema Bible on Tuesday, Sept. 13^th before playing its next home game on Friday, Sept. 16^th against St. Mary’s University (Texas) at 5 p.m.

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