MIDWAY, Ky. — WVU Tech women's soccer scored just 1:14 into the match and allowed only one shot all afternoon in a 3-0 conference victory over Midway University at Midway Turf Field.
The Golden Bears improved to 10-5-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play while extending their winning streak to six matches.
Maria Rodriguez gave Tech an almost immediate advantage, finding the back of the net at 1:14 for her third goal of the season.
WVU Tech continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half. Marcela Kalb twice came within inches of adding to the lead, hitting the crossbar in the 15th and 26th minutes. The Golden Bears generated 12 shots before halftime while keeping Midway from attempting a shot and took the 1-0 advantage into the break.
Tech quickly created separation after halftime.
Junior Julia Silva scored just 42 seconds into the second half to double the Golden Bears' advantage. Sophomore Rocio Gutierrez followed at 48:23, giving WVU Tech two goals in a span of 2 minutes, 41 seconds and a 3-0 lead.
The Golden Bears continued to control the match from there. Midway did not record its first and only shot until the 74th minute, when freshman goalkeeper Irene Saldana made the save to preserve the shutout.
WVU Tech finished with a 23-1 advantage in shots and put 12 attempts on goal while Midway managed just one. The Golden Bears also held a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Silva led Tech with eight shots, including five on goal, and scored her team-leading 12th goal of the season. Gutierrez finished with three shots and her sixth goal, while Rodriguez put both of her attempts on frame and scored her third.
Saldana played all 90 minutes and stopped Midway's lone shot on goal to record her fourth shutout of the season. The Golden Bears have now posted consecutive clean sheets.
On the run
WVU Tech has won six consecutive matches since opening conference play with a 1-0 loss at Rio Grande. All six victories have come against conference opponents, with the Golden Bears outscoring them 25-3 during the streak.
Tech has recorded three shutouts during the run, including back-to-back 3-0 victories over IU Kokomo and Midway. The win at Midway also secured the Golden Bears' second consecutive 10-win season and marked head coach Kate Carr's 52nd victory at WVU Tech.
What's next
WVU Tech closes the regular season at home Saturday, Oct. 31, when the Golden Bears host Brescia University. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex.
Season leaders
- Record: 10-5-1
- Goals: Julia Silva, 12; Shiloh Goodwin, 8; Rocio Gutierrez, 6
- Assists: Sofia Filgueira, 4; Korinne Potter, 4; Julia Silva, 4; Shiloh Goodwin, 3
- Shots: Julia Silva, 55; Shiloh Goodwin, 36; Rocio Gutierrez, 36
- Shots on goal: Julia Silva, 32; Shiloh Goodwin, 20; Rocio Gutierrez, 17
- Goalkeeper saves: Irene Saldana, 46
