Oakland City, IN- The Mighty Oaks continued their unbeaten run with their goalless draw on Saturday against Stephens College. This is the second clean sheet in a row, bringing the total for the season to two. The Mighty Oaks started off strong in the first half and obtained most of the possession. With eight chances and Stephens with one, the half ended 0-0.
The second half, the Mighty Oaks had ten shots and the defense managed to keep Stephens from scoring with their five shots. Kassidy Elkin saved the Mighty Oaks skin more than once by being quick off her line to clear the ball out.
A through ball from the right hand side of Stephens was obtained by the striker who was then through 1v1. Elkin anticipated a low shot which was correct and made a vital save in the 53rd minute to keep the score at 0-0.
After winning possession from Stephens goal kick, Madison Ward retained possession and passed the ball out to the right to Rachael Poneskis who connected a through ball to Rhiannon O'Looney. She took a touch around her defender to set up a shot and shot just wide of the far post.
Abby Mathany passed the ball to Madison Nicolas (who was an absolute machine the whole game) on the byline who was being defended by two players and beat both players who had arms flying. Even though Nicolas was being fouled the whole time down the wing, she made a great cross across the box that O'Looney was waiting for. Last minute the keeper got fingertips to the ball, causing O'Looney to misjudge the cross and miss the goal. This was one of the many opportunities the Mighty Oaks had.
The Mighty Oaks dominated possession and passed the ball well throughout the game but could not produce a finish. The Mighty Oaks finished the game with 18 shots (8 on target) while Elkin finished with three saves.
The Mighty Oaks have a week to prepare for three games the following week, starting off with William Woods University on Tuesday September 20th in Fulton, Missouri. The Mighty Oaks first conference game will come that Thursday on the 22 of September away at St. Mary of the Woods College. And to conclude the week, the Mighty Oaks will be back at home to take on Campbellsville University-Harrodsburg on Saturday September 24 at 1pm. GO MIGHTY OAKS!!
