WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Huntington women’s soccer team is off to its best start in program history. The Foresters moved to 4-0 on the season Wednesday evening at King Stadium, outlasting Lawrence Tech 3-2 in the first meeting between the two programs since 2018.

The victory carries extra weight considering HU is the Blue Devils’ fifth Crossroads League team they’ve faced this season. In addition to their loss to the Foresters, LTU’s record against the CL is 1-2-2 having knocked off Goshen 4-0, played to scoreless draws against Taylor and Bethel while suffering a 3-1 loss to Saint Francis.

Huntington’s offense was fueled by a mix of veteran leadership and freshman impact. The scoring opened in the 11th minute when senior forward Elana McGinnis sent a beautiful strike into the box; senior forward Sophie Shepherd showcased her speed, outsprinting the keeper to provide an easy tap-in for the 1-0 lead.

The Blue Devils responded with two quick goals, both from Abigail Gray, in the 35th and 36th minutes to take a 2-1 lead into the break. But the Foresters wasted no time answering in the second period. In the 47th minute, freshman Sharon Vidah controlled a corner kick delivery to the far post with her body before clinically slotting it home with her left foot to level the match.

The Foresters’ persistence paid off in the 87th minute. Freshman forward Addy Glick sent a pass that deflected off a defender to the foot of freshman Payton Toth, who slipped it past keeper for the game-winner.

“This group understands that the game is not over until the end,” said Coach Keaton Albert. “I’m proud of their tenacity, grit, and desire. We played a solid opponent that battled all 90 minutes and tested our core. The response after missed chances and falling behind is attributed to this team’s behind-the-scene work that drives their individual and team belief. God has been working inside this program; glory to how He is patient with us and transforming our story.”

Junior goalkeeper Macie Sanders (Kouts, Ind.) earned the win in net, recording one save on the three shots on goal she faced across 90 minutes. The Foresters dominated the offensive third, finishing with a 19-4 edge in total attempts and a 12-3 advantage in shots on goal. HU also controlled the set-piece battle with a commanding 9-1 margin in corner kicks.

Up Next
The Foresters have two non-conference contests remaining before Crossroads League play begins. First up, Huntington hosts Cleary University (MI) at King Stadium on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.