PARKVILLE, Mo.— Despite a late offensive push, the William Woods University women's soccer team was unable to capture its first American Midwest Conference (AMC) victory on the year, as the Owls fell to Park University, 2-0.
Coming off its first win on the 2015 year, against a quality Central Methodist University team, the Owls (1-3-1; 0-1 AMC) looked to pick up right where they left off against the Pirates (3-2; 1-0 AMC).
In the first half, it was the Pirates jumping out to a 1-0 lead and gaining the early momentum, as at the 3:31 mark, Gabi Severens received a pass from Emma Chatterton inside the 18 yard box and was able to bury her shot off the post and into the back of the net, giving Park an advantage.
Then, at the 13:31 mark, the Pirates struck again, as Emily Key was able to use her speed and crack a shot from the left side of the box over the outstretched hand of WWU goalie,
Ashley Parisi, which extended the teams' lead out to 2-0.
The Owls first and only scoring chance of the half came in the 16
th minute, as
Jordan McNamara looked to narrow the deficit, but Pirate goaltender, Amy Roskell, came up with the save.
The Pirates continued its offensive pressure, but were unable to extend its advantage and headed to the break ahead 2-0 over WWU. Park outshot the Owls, 9-1, through 45:00 minutes of action, while Parisi did her best in net, making four saves.
In the second half, the shot totals were lowered to four a piece for each squad, but as time continued to tick down, the Owls were unable to get on the board. WWU's best scoring chance came in the 81
st minute, as off a corner from
Alex Langford, the ball found the foot of
Renee Meyer, who took a shot, but Roskell came up with the diving save, which ended the threat.
The Owls added one final chance from
Annie Graber, but Roskell made the save and was able to secure the shutout win for Park.
William Woods totaled five shots in the outing, led by McNamara having three. Parisi, meanwhile, made eight saves in goal. Park University, totaled 13 shots, five of which came from Key, while four were added from Severns.
The Owls will now look to next week to earn its first AMC win, yet again on the road, as they take on I-70 rival, Columbia College, on Thursday September 17
th. Kick-off will start at 4:30 p.m.
Fans make sure to stay updated on wwuowls.com later next week for a full preview of the game against the Cougars.
