For the second time in three seasons, the Emory University women's soccer team is headed to the Round of 16 after defeating Pacific Lutheran, 1-0, Sunday afternoon at the Woodruff PE Center Soccer Stadium in Atlanta. This marks the 12th time the Eagles have advanced to the Sweet 16 and the seventh appearance under Head Coach Sue Patberg.
With its berth to the second weekend, Emory now faces Loras College at a site to be determined. This will be the second time ever the two programs will meet on the field, having previously met in the Sweet 16 in 2012 where the Eagles secured a 2-1 victory. On Saturday, the Duhawks prevailed in penalty kicks over Carelton, 4-2, to run their record to 20-0-1 on the season.
In Atlanta, the Eagles came away with a one-goal victory as sophomore Kaitlyn Nimmer provided the heroics with the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute. The score was set up with a stellar play from classmate Emily Woodall, who picked the pocket of the Lutes' goalkeeper who had ranged too far off her line on the right side of the box. After controlling possession, Woodall ripped a pass into the middle of the box to try and take quick advantage of the defensive miscue from PLU. The ball hit off two Lute defenders before falling to Nimmer who provided the finishes touches from eight yards out.
The one goal was all the Eagles needed on the afternoon as the defense came through with a stout performance for its 11th shutout of the season. Emory did not allow one Pacific Lutheran shot in the second half and outshot PLU 23-3 in the game, including an 8-2 margin in shots on goal.
Nimmer had a bevy of opportunities before cashing in late in regulation. She finished the game with a career-high 10 shots, tying a single-game program record, and had four on frame while playing 86 minutes. With her tally, Nimmer reaches the 30-point mark for the 2024 season to become the 10th player to do so in a single season.
Freshman Emory Bozzuti logged four shots in 55 minutes and had a pair of attempts on target. Junior Sophia Garcia picked up two saves, both in the first half, to record her sixth clean sheet.
Stay tuned to emoryathletics.com and Emory Athletics on social media for more updates regarding next week's match when they are made available.
