Box Score
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Jamie Palermo's late game heroics helped the William Woods University women's soccer team close out the 2013 regular season with a 2-1 come-from-behind win at Missouri Baptist University.
With William Woods (10-7-1, 7-2-1 AMC) trailing the Spartans (8-7-3, 6-2-2 AMC) 1-0 with eight minutes remaining, Palermo was able to corral a deflection off the MBU goalie and head it in to tie the game. Just three minutes later the 2012 First-Team All-AMC selection buried the game-winning goal, giving the Owls their seventh conference win on the season, tying the school record for most conference wins in a season.
The victory gives William Woods the third seed in the American Midwest Conference Tournament. The Owls will host a game in the tournament's first round on Nov. 8 against an opponent that is still to be determined.
Missouri Baptist got on the board in the 20th minute with a long goal from Kaytlin Nevels. The senior blasted a shot a few feet outside of the 18-yard box that connected with the back of the net to give the Spartans the 1-0 first half lead. It was the fourth goal of the season scored by Nevels.
The Owls had a few solid chances at a goal in the 34th minute as they posted back-to-back shots on goal in a matter of 16 seconds. Palermo put up another shot just seconds later but went wide of the goal to give MBU a goal kick.
Neither team was able to break through with a goal for the remainder of the frame, as Missouri Baptist held the 1-0 lead going into half time.
William Woods had a couple of good looks at the net in the first few minutes of the second half, but Jordan McNamara's shot was blocked and Palermo couldn't get her shot past the MBU goalie as the Owls were still facing a 1-0 deficit.
WWU found the equalizer in the 82nd minute, as Sarah Krispin sent a high towering shot towards the goal that the goal keeper could not handle, Palermo got to the loose ball and headed it past the goalie to tie things up at 1-1.
Palermo wasn't done there, as she gave William Woods the 2-1 lead just three minutes later. Palermo was able to capitalize on a Katie Shikles pass to fire a shot into the upper right corner of the goal just before the Spartan defense was able to collapse on her.
The Owls were able to keep a clean sheet the rest of the way as they scored the important 2-1 AMC road win.
William Woods ends the regular season with a 10-7-1 record, giving the program back-to-back 10-win seasons. It is the first time since the 2001 and 2002 seasons that the Owls have posted back-to-back double-digit wins.
Fans should check back with wwuowls.com for AMC Tournament details.
