FULTON, Mo.—Despite its efforts, the William Woods University women's soccer team was unable to win its home opener in front of a large crowd at Firley Field on Friday night, as the No. 23-ranked Missouri Valley College Vikings played spoiler, defeating WWU 2-0.
Coming into tonight, the Owls (0-1) were facing a Vikings (2-0-1) team, which had already played two games on the year, including tying the No. 2-ranked team in the nation (Northwestern Ohio), while it was the first game for WWU and they trotted out 10 new starters from last years' lineup.
In the first half, after a few wide shots and key saves from WWU goaltender
Ashley Parisi, the Vikings were able to break through in the 12
th minute. Inmaculada Martinez had her header on a cross be saved by Parisi, which then went off the post and right to Riley Kerr, who was able to tap in the ball and give MVC a 1-0 lead.
In the 22
nd minute, the Owls threatened with its best scoring opportunity of the half, as
Halle Schroeder blasted her shot just outside the 18 yard box, but Irene Sanchez came up with the big save to keep WWU off the board.
Then, in the 31
st minute, Martinez was able to get behind the Owls defense on a pass from Maria Blasco and she was able to beat Parisi and extend the Vikings lead out to 2-0.
The Owls had a couple more chances before the half ended, but Sanchez was able to hold the team scoreless through 45:00 minutes of play.
In the half, MVC outshot WWU 16-4, while Parisi came up with four saves and Sanchez made two for the Vikings.
In the second half, the offensive push from the Vikings continued, but the Owls defense and Parisi stayed stout and were able to keep the deficit just at 2-0. In the 69
th minute, WWU had another scoring chance, as
Jordan McNamara's shot just inside the box got behind Sanchez, but it went off the post and the Vikings defense was able to clear the ball away. One minute later, newcomer
Renee Meyer, also took a shot on goal, but her attempt wide.
William Woods would go on to total three more shots before the final horn sounded, but Sanchez kept the shutout intact, as they held on for the 2-0 win.
Parisi, an O'Fallon, Missouri, native, made a career-high 11 saves in her fourth career start in net. Offensively, McNamara led the way with two shots, while
Brooke Hendrix, Meyer, Schroeder,
Elyssa Cappaert,
Kylie Roach and
Annie Graber added one each.
MVC, meanwhile, totaled 34 shots in the game and were led by Martinez having eight, with four landing on net. Kerr totaled seven shots, while Maria Balsco and Samantha Starostki added five and four respectively.
The Owls will have another tall task in order when they return to the pitch next, which will be in Atchison, Kansas, on Sunday, as they face-off against No. 6-ranked Benedictine College. Kick-off will start at 5 p.m.
Fans make sure to stay updated on wwuowls.com on Saturday afternoon for a full preview of Sunday's game.
