Burkholder, Grindle Lead Second Half Charge In 2-1 Win over Muskegon

Jill Burkholder scored the game winning goal in a 2-1, come from behind win against Muskegon today. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Jill Burkholder scored the game winning goal in a 2-1, come from behind win against Muskegon today. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---The Express women's soccer team scored two goals in the first five minutes of the second half today to propel the team to a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Muskegon Community College.

The Express had controlled much of the first half before Muskegon scored on their only shot on goal in the half at the 42:30 mark to take a halftime lead. 

In the second stanza, the Express came out firing, with the game tying goal coming from Jessica Grindle at the 48:28 mark on an assist off a free kick from Elizabeth Theaker.

Moments later, Jill Burkholder was fouled on the left side of the goal towards the sideline. She then drilled a kick into the top right portion of the net past the keeper for what turned out to be the game winner.

From there, the Express controlled the game, except for a breakaway game tying goal chance for Muskegon in the 72nd minute, but Ashlee Taylor's shot sailed wide right.

The Express took 26 shots in the game, with eight coming on goal, while Muskegon was held to just one shot on goal on four shots total. Additionally, the Express had a 10-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Erika Brinkman played the entire game in goal for the Express. She didn't record a save, while Hayley Twigg saved six shots for Muskegon.

Notes

The Express are now 7-2 overall this year and have won five consecutive matches. Muskegon falls to 2-6-1 overall.

The next action for the Express will be at home tomorrow at 3 p.m. against Lake Michigan College.

Burkholder's goal was her eighth of the season, which is good for second on the team behind Grindle, who now 13 goals.

Haley Gasser led the team with four shots on goal today, while Burkholder had a team-high seven total shots.

Theaker's assist was her second of the season.