Emporia State soccer rallies from down two, upsets Washburn to advance to MIAA semifinals
TOPEKA (KSNT)- It was an instant classic in the Turnpike Tussle as Emporia State soccer upset two-seeded Washburn on Sunday, 3-2, to advance to the MIAA semifinals.
The Hornets entered the contest as the seven seed and beat Washburn for the first time since the 2023 MIAA semifinals.
After erasing a two-goal deficit, freshman Kylie Richardson scored a screamer in the 64th minute to give the Hornets the go-ahead goal.
"I know whenever the ball leaves my foot if I'm going to score or not and that felt great," Richardson told 27 Sports.
It marked the first goal of Richardson's career.
"There's no feeling like getting this win. I'm in disbelief because it was such a crazy turn of events," Emporia State head coach Jane Grimley-Gunn said. "We believed throughout and that carried us through the game to get the result."
Washburn opened the scoring within minutes as Mackinly Rohn scored off her corner kick, which was deflected into the goal.
In the 18th minute, the Ichabods would double its lead when Kate Hinck scored off a great pass from Sam Searcey.
Emporia State would get on the board in the 34th minute as Ella Favot scored a header off a cross from Aubrey Seltman.
Out of the break, Emporia State scored its second goal off a corner. Abby Bachman sent the ball in and Ruby Ryan headed it home to even the game at two apiece.
Richardson would seal the win with her go-ahead goal in the 64th minute.
The Ichabods had four more shots on the day, but both teams finished with 10 shots on goal.
Mackenzi Goen had five saves on the day including a couple late as the Hornets got the win. Washburn's Lili Everley had four saves in the loss.
Emporia State will now travel to Wichita and take on No. 6 Central Oklahoma in the MIAA semifinals on Thursday.
Washburn awaits its postseason fate with the NCAA selection show.
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