It was another extraordinary night for senior Addie Forbus and the rest of the 22nd ranked Ole Miss soccer team against the Northwestern State Demons as she scored two goals in a 3-0 win to move to 2-0 on the year.
“I think this season I am more composed on the ball and I don’t get as frazzled on the ball. But also I feel like I’m sharper with connecting passes and our attack has just been meshing really well together so far,” Forbus said.
Freshman Gretchen Harknett also had an impressive game, scoring the team’s first goal from inside the penalty box in the 18th minute. This being her first goal of the season, Harknett plans to beat her personal record of five goals from last season.
Harknett, who played on a summer team for the Memphis LOBOS Rush soccer league, credits much of her improvement to it.
“It helped me focus on the things I really need to work on coming into this season,” Harknett said.
For most of the first half, the game was played on the Demon’s side of the field, as their defenders and even goalie pressed hard on the slide tackles. Concerned gasps from the crowd continued on every time one of the players hit the ground.
“The Demon’s weren’t afraid to go to ground that’s for sure,” said head coach Matthew Mott.
Going into the second half, Forbus scored her first goal of the night but not her last off a pass from fellow forward Gabby Little.
“Typically Gretchen, CeCe, and I are pretty effective triangle in the attack,” Forbus said.
The Lady Rebels, who run a 5,3,2 formation this season, have learned to work very well together. Three of the starters- Gretchen Harknett, Mackenzie Parma, and Gabby Little, have all been playing together since they were kids.
“We go to different schools but were all on the same club team in high school,” Harknett said.
With under 5 minutes to go in the game, Forbus scored her second goal and fourth of the season.
The defense also had great success against the Demons’ front line last night, only allowing three shots on frame that were all saved by sophomore goalie Marnie Meritt.
The night ended with 31 shots from the Lady Rebels and resulted in a 3-0 victory over the Northwestern State Demons.
Head Coach Matthew Mott was proud of his team’s second performance following their weekend opener.
“I was happy with our movement and creating chances and creating shot opportunities. I think there is more room for improvement inside the penalty areas.”
Ole Miss will have two more home games next Friday and Sunday against Memphis and Lipscomb in hopes of holding onto their undefeated season record before beginning on the road.
