WOMEN’S SOCCER

The HU women’s soccer team pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in program history Wednesday night, rallying from a two-goal deficit to stun Goshen 3-2 under the lights at the John Ingold Athletic Complex.

Down 2-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining, the Foresters (6-7, 1-5 CL) came alive in breathtaking fashion. Ella Theard jumpstarted the rally in the 68th minute when she finished off a precise pass from Jianna Simons to cut the deficit in half. Barely 60 seconds later, Sophie Shepherd unleashed a laser from outside the box that curled into the far post to level the match.

With momentum fully on Huntington’s side, Theard struck again just two minutes later. Maria Cote Molina capitalized on a loose ball at the top of the box and played it perfectly to Theard, who slotted home the eventual game-winner to complete the three-minute scoring blitz.

Theard’s brace gives her three goals on the season and five for her career, while Shepherd notched her team-leading seventh of the year. Huntington outshot Goshen 21-13 and controlled the pace in the second half, with keeper Macie Sanders tallying three saves to secure the victory.

“We started out down after the first half and then got scored on again early into the second half which set us back,” noted Coach Keaton Albert. “In their snap circle, the team talked about applying their intention and will into the game and putting away chances on offense. We ended up scoring three goals in three minutes. The team stayed with the game plan and kept executing despite the mental battle after going down two goals.

“The work ethic and grit this team has is unmatched and everyone took part in the big win today!”

The comeback not only marked HU’s first Crossroads League win of the season but also their first since 2023. The Foresters return home to King Stadium on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to host No. 16 Taylor. Prior to kickoff, HU will honor its senior class.