Samford women’s soccer won a share of the 2022 Southern Conference league title with two consecutive wins to close the season. On the road for both games, the Lady Bulldogs beat Furman 4-0 and Wofford 2-1 to seal the co-title, which they share with Chattanooga.
Samford’s offense was prolific in the first matchup against Furman. Taylor Yount, Layton Glisson, Maison Wells and Sarah Holland scored for the Bulldogs. Goalkeeper Emma Donley led the defensive effort, as she netted a clean sheet, her second in a row.
After the Furman game, Samford defeated Wofford 2-1 to seal the SoCon title. The Bulldogs extended their 12-game winning streak against the Terriers with the victory.
Junior Ella Simpson opened up the scoring in the first minute off a corner, while Wofford’s Ansley Elizade answered soon after with a penalty kick. Sophomore Whitaker Buchanan scored the second and final goal from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, sealing the SoCon title for Samford.
“They were excited, but at first, it was a little bit of a shock for everyone after a rough start earlier in the season,” said head coach Todd Yelton.
Following the weekend’s performances, Buchanan and Donley were named SoCon Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively.
Samford Women’s Soccer ends the season with a record of 9-3-6 in overall play and 5-1-3 in the conference. In the standings, Samford is tied with Chattanooga for first. This result makes nine Socon titles in a row for the Lady Bulldogs, the record for the longest streak in the conference’s history.
Going into SoCon Tournament play, Kylie Gazza, Taylor Yount, Layton Glisson, and Ella Simpson look to continue their success, as they all have four goals on the season, which leads the team. Sophomore Whitaker Buchanan leads the team in assists. Redshirt freshman Emma Donley has stepped in well for injured goalkeeper Morgan McAslan, with only six goals conceded in eight games.
Samford will begin the postseason with a matchup against The Citadel Friday, Oct. 28, in Birmingham.
Staff Writer (Sports)
