Oct. 24, 2008

Final Stats

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami women's soccer took a big step to making it into the Mid-American Conference tournament on Friday with a 3-1 win over Northern Illinois in DeKalb, Ill.

Sara Lund struck early for the RedHawks with a goal in the fifth-minute that was struck from the left corner of the 18-yard box and beat Huskies' keeper Lindsey Curnock right side. The goal is the eighth of the season for the MAC freshman of the year from 2007.

Northern Illinois would battle back with a goal in 17th minute by Mo Smunt on an assist from Thea Johnson and would knot the game heading into halftime. Miami would take the lead for good with a goal from Eva Candia, which came off a corner kick from Danielle Hays. The goal is the first of the season for Candia and the assist by Hays is her second of the season.

"We Played well both ways," Miami head coach Bobby Kramig said. "I was pleased with how we defended and we finished our chances. When you do those well you usually win."

Courtney Clarke would remove all doubt when she scored unassisted in the 77th-minute of the game. Clarke used her trademark speed to score her third goal of the season.

The win keeps the RedHawks in the eighth and final playoff spot for the Mid-American conference tournament.

The victory also puts Miami in position to make a move in conference on Sunday when they travel to take on conference foe Western Michigan at 1 p.m.