Hailey
Emporia State women’s soccer team wrapped up their nonconference schedule with style, defeating CSU-Pueblo 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
It was a complete performance by the Hornets, showing both offensive determination and defensive strength. This victory not only gave them confidence but also set the stage for their upcoming conference games.
A Strong Start
From the very first whistle, the Hornets looked sharp and aggressive. Within the opening ten minutes, they managed two shots and two corner kicks, putting immediate pressure on the Thunderwolves.
The breakthrough came quickly in the 14th minute, when freshman forward Ella Favot scored her first career goal. The early strike lifted the team’s energy and gave them a lead they would never give up.
The rest of the first half slowed down in terms of chances. Both sides combined for only three shots over the next half hour.
However, the Hornets stayed composed and carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime. At the break, Emporia State had outshot CSU-Pueblo 4-3, showing they were slightly more effective in creating chances.
Action in the Second Half
The second half opened with more urgency from both sides. Just three minutes after the restart, Abby Bachman tested the Thunderwolves goalkeeper with a strong shot that forced a save. CSU-Pueblo nearly equalized soon after, but their effort struck the post instead of the net.
That close call woke up the Hornets, and they responded in the 70th minute. Avery Zimmerman scored her first goal of the season, doubling the lead to 2-0. This was also the second goal of her career, making it a special moment.
From that point, Emporia State controlled the game, allowing just one more shot from CSU-Pueblo in the final 20 minutes.
The Hornets’ defense and midfield worked together to close the game comfortably, recording their first shutout win of the season.
Key Match Statistics
Here’s a quick look at the important numbers from the match:
| Category | Emporia State | CSU-Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shots | 12 | 7 |
| Shots on Goal | 6 | 1 |
| First Goal | Favot (14’) | – |
| Second Goal | Zimmerman (70’) | – |
| Saves | 1 (Chanthavong) | 4 |
Player Highlights
- Ella Favot – Opened the scoring with her first-ever career goal in the 14th minute.
- Avery Zimmerman – Added the second goal, her first of the season and second of her career.
- Anneli Chanthavong – The goalkeeper made one save and earned her first career shutout.
This win was important for building player confidence, especially for younger members of the squad who are beginning to make their mark.
What’s Next for the Hornets
With nonconference play behind them, Emporia State now prepares for the start of the MIAA conference season.
The Hornets will travel to face Newman University on Friday, September 26, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. After that, they take on Central Oklahoma, a traditionally tough opponent.
The team enters conference play with momentum, energy, and a balanced attack. If their defense continues to perform like it did against CSU-Pueblo, the Hornets could be strong contenders this season.
The Hornets’ 2-0 shutout win over CSU-Pueblo highlighted their ability to strike early, defend solidly, and close out games with discipline. With key goals from Favot and Zimmerman and a clean sheet from Chanthavong, the victory marked a turning point for the season.
As they now head into conference play, Emporia State looks ready to challenge opponents with confidence and determination.