Marquette Women’s Soccer Keeps Shutout Streak Alive Against Mercer

Eli Beard and Erin Johnston provided the firepower while Maddy Henry needed to make just one save to preserve the shutout as Marquette beat Mercer on Sunday night at Valley Fields.

Marquette hasn’t allowed a goal in over 381 minutes, dating back to late in the second match of the season. While that’s an impressive stretch, it’s going to be a while —four more matches — before we can talk about this turning into an all-time team record.

Beard opened the scoring in the 32nd minute off a cross from Kylie Sprecher. Well, technically, it was off a deflection of Sprecher’s cross, as a Mercer defender tried to send it away from the net. The ball landed right in Beard’s path as she charged in, and BOOM, Marquette was up 1-0. Watch the ref on the replay, though: I think he was signaling for a penalty kick due to Carrie Madden getting clobbered.

Thanks to their 29-8 shot advantage, Marquette probably didn’t need an insurance goal. Still, better safe than sorry, especially after Mercer hit the crossbar with 13 minutes left. Johnston provided the back-up in the 83rd minute on an impressive line drive of a shot from out towards midfield.

Sloane Carlson came on in relief for Henry for the final two minutes, so officially, Henry still only has two shutouts of her own. Still, if MU’s defense continues like this in the future, Henry will have more than a few chances at clean sheets this season.

How about some highlights, courtesy of GoMarquette.com?

Up Next: The Golden Eagles will be back in action next weekend for a two match road trip. Boston University (1-3-2) awaits on Friday, while Rhode Island (2-4-0) will be the host on Sunday.