Columbus Eagles score 10 times en route to victory against Youngstown
The Columbus Eagles departed Resolute Athletic Complex on Saturday evening with light snow falling outside and satisfaction filling the east field as the club celebrated a dominant 10-1 victory in their home finale against the Youngstown Nighthawks.
Columbus wasted no time setting the tone, scoring twice within the first three minutes of the contest. Alivia Payne slotted home a pass off the boot of Samantha Buck for her first tally of the night. Moments later, Payne benefitted from a fortunate bounce — getting tangled with a Youngstown defender, falling on the ball, and watching as the momentum carried it across the line to extend the lead to 2-0.
Angela Boyce added another goal with 4:21 remaining in the first quarter to push the scoring run to three. She struck again in the second quarter to make it 4-0 before Youngstown halted the momentum with a goal at the nine-minute mark.
The Eagles took full control in the third quarter, thriving on both ends of the field. Columbus erupted for a five-goal scoring run while turning in one of their strongest defensive stretches of the season. Goalkeeper Bri Rogers faced just one shot in the period as the Eagles smothered any attempt at a response.
Olentangy Orange forward Olivia Olson capped the night with the 10th and final goal, sealing the emphatic 10-1 win for Columbus.
Postgame
Following the match, I spoke with Alivia Payne, who served as player-manager and captain for the contest. The video interview is courtesy of Joe Shelton.
Up next
The Eagles head to Cincinnati for a date with the Sirens on Saturday, February 28th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM.