FLORENCE, Ala. (August 19, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's soccer team netted six goals in their home opener to drum the Union Bulldogs, 6-1 on Wednesday night at the Cox Creek Sports Complex.
North Alabama (1-0-1) set two Division I school records, including the most goals in a half with five in the second half and the most corners in a single game with 12. The Lions tied the 2023 Alcorn State game for most shots on goal as 17 of the 29 shots were on target.
This is the first time since 2018 that the Lions have scored six or more goals in a game. After scoring nine goals between the first two games, UNA has matched the 2012 season as the last season to conquer such a feat.
Union added eight shots and earned 11 saves against the Lions. Four of their shots were on target and one of them even snuck in the left side to equalize the game early. After the break, it became all UNA with the five goals scored.
The Lions move to 8-1-1 all-time against Union with this being the first meeting since the transition to the Division I era. North Alabama moves to a perfect 6-0 when hosting the Bulldogs in Florence.
Five different Lions scored on the opening day of classes, with senior forward Parker Martin finding the net twice. Martin, who scored officially just 53 seconds into the game, now owns the fastest goal in the Division I era — taking the title from teammate Maya Kelsch who did it on Saturday against UNC Asheville with a goal in 119 seconds.
This was the 14th circumstance where a Lion had two goals in a match, most recently accomplished by Alice Bussey against Alcorn State in 2023.
Sophomore Meg Welsh found her second goal of the season as she slid one past a falling Bulldog and keeper. Sophomore midfielder Gizelle El Assal had a corner kick sail past the goal keeper and into the left side of goal.
Senior midfielder Maddie Reynolds had a pin ball that hit the right crossbar and then hammered into the left side for one of her own. Freshman forward Catherine Schneiderhahn received the pass from Anna Fugarino, which led to her first goal of the season.
Senior defender Gracie Tyrrell continued to involve herself in the passing lane as she added her third assist on the season. North Alabama had five assists tonight as El Assal, Fugarino, Welsh and Avery Smith combined for the other four.
Head coach Chris Walker spread the love around tonight as 26 Lions found playing time. Transfer Maddox Dolly played in goal for the remaining 12 minutes. Sophomore defender Haylee Martin made her collegiate debut, as well as freshman defender Casey Knerr. Sophomore's Mya Barr and Maddie Allen made their season debuts in the second half.
North Alabama gets a second straight home game as it battles Tennessee Tech on Sunday, August 23 at 6 p.m. at Cox Creek Sports Complex.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
