Florence, Ala. (September 7, 2023) – With 3:30 remaining,
Alice Bussey met a pass from
Giada Aldini to give North Alabama the late lead in a 2-1 victory for the Lions over Southern Illinois on Thursday at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex.
Bussey's third goal of the season came at an opportune time for UNA to help the Lions extend their unbeaten streak to four, dating back to a 2-0 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sunday, August 27.
North Alabama opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a Briana Eads header on an Aldini corner kick. This was the reigning Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Week's first goal of the season.
In the 44th minute, North Alabama toppled the school's Division I record for most consecutive scoreless minutes, setting the new tally at 391 minutes.
The streak would however end in heartbreaking fashion, as the officials changed a foul near the box from a free kick to a Southern Illinois penalty shot. The attempt from McKensey Bunch would end up drawing the score even at 1-1 in the 66th minute of the match.
Bussey's 87th minute score gave the Lions the deciding goal to put the final score at 2-1.
Aldini assisted on both UNA goals, marking the first time this season a player has assisted on multiple goals in a game. She has a team-leading three assists this season.
Lion goalkeeper and reigning ASUN Goalkeeper of the Week
Adriana Wright stopped three shots in Thursday's match. Wright leads the Atlantic Sun in fewest goals allowed and goals allowed average, having only allowed four goals this season.
The Lions led the corner kick battle 7-1, with the Salukis not earning a corner until the 89th minute of the game. North Alabama also out-shot Southern Illinois 19-7, with eight of the 19 coming on net.
UNA now leads the ASUN in fewest goals against (4) and corners taken (41). The Lions are allowing their opponents to score just 0.57 goals per game.
North Alabama improves to 3-2-2 on the season, while the Salukis fall to 1-3-3.
Up next, North Alabama travels to Jacksonville, Ala. to take on Jacksonville State on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 1 p.m.
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