Miguel winner lifts women's soccer past Bluefield

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - After being stymied on several good looks throughout the night, Dara Miguel finally gave the Union women's soccer team the breakthrough it was looking for.

Miguel scored off a free kick with 18:08 to play and the Bulldog defense held on to record the program's first shutout in nearly three years in a 1-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference win over Bluefield (Va.) Wednesday night.

After recording just one shot in a 1-0 loss to Brenau (Ga.) on Saturday, the Bulldog offense was much more productive Wednesday, outshooting the Rams 21-7. But as the second half wore on, they were still unable to take advantage of their opportunities.

Miguel changed that. With a clean look on a free kick, she got perfect elevation on a shot and sent it over the head of goalie Madison Price.

That was enough for a defense that recorded its first shutout since a 4-0 victory over Kentucky Christian on Oct. 16, 2019. Madison Hebert, who entered the night second in the AAC in saves, turned away all four shots on goal she faced.

The Bulldogs continued their recent dominance of the Bluefield. Since 2006, Union is 13-1-1 against the Rams.

Now 2-8 overall and 2-6 in the AAC, Union has another winnable game on Friday, when they travel to face St. Andrews (N.C.) at noon on Friday.