The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
4-3-0, 0-0-0
Samford
2-4-1, 0-0-0
Keefer’s Last-Minute Score Gives Soccer Win Over Samford
9/8/2024 | Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ole Miss Soccer picked up their first road win of the season in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon as the Rebels defeated Samford 2-1. Freshman Kayla Keefer scored the game winner in the final minute of play to give Ole Miss their first win over Samford since the 2020 season.
Keefer had her biggest offensive day since the season opener, scoring the game-winning goal and dishing out an assist on the first goal of the day scored by Grace Freeman. Freeman scored the first goal of her career early in the second half to give the Rebels their first lead of the match.
Ole Miss generated several offensive chances in the first half but were unable to break through. The Rebels maintained control of possession for the majority of the first 45 with Hailey Cloud, Kayla Keefer, and Grace Freeman delivering several balls into the box. Samford keeper Peyton Hull stood tall though making three saves. The Rebels held the edge in shots (6-5), shots on goal (3-0), and generated five corners in the opening period.
The Red and Blue found the back of the net in the 54th minute off the foot of Grace Freeman. Kayla Keefer found a crease at the midfield line delivering a ball to Kelly Brady within the Samford zone. Brady pushed the attack and delivered a pass to Freeman who found the net for her first career goal.
Samford would respond in the 68th minute with a goal from Samantha De Luca to tie the match at 1-1.
Ole Miss remained composed with Brenlin Mullaney and Lauren Montgomery both putting shots on goal. Samford keeper Payton Hull denied some tough chances making six saves on the afternoon.
It was in the final minute that Mullaney delivered an outstanding ball from midfield to Keefer who found the back of the net to put the Rebels up 2-1. It marked Keefer’s second goal of the season.
Head Coach Molly Rouse’s thought on the match:
“The level of fight, determination, and commitment that people made from start to finish of the game showcases the personality of this group. We’re really excited about the direction that we’re moving in. I viewed this game as an opportunity to turn a new page and really step into who we are as a team, and I thought the team did fantastic at that.”
On responding to adversity, production from everyone and finding a way to win late…
“That’s all we talked about between Thursday and this game was can you rise to the level that’s required to be able to have a response match. A redemption game for us on the road. The fact that every person who stepped on the field or didn’t, had the same level of focus, the same level of engagement, same level of support was incredible for us.”
The Rebels will be back in action in Oxford on Thursday, September 12 as Southern Miss comes to town.
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Team Stats
Grace Freeman (1)
Assisted By: Kelly Brady , Kayla Keefer
GOAL by MISS Freeman, Grace Assist by Brady, Kelly and Keefer, Kayla.
53:58
Samantha De Luca (1)
Assisted By: Layton Glisson
GOAL by SAM De Luca, Samantha Assist by Glisson, Layton.
68:00
Kayla Keefer (4)
Assisted By: Brenlin Mullaney
GOAL by MISS Keefer, Kayla Assist by Mullaney, Brenlin.
89:04
