SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - William Woods University (0-1) kicked off a new era under the leadership of Director of Soccer Tommy Nienhaus in its season opener against Evangel University (1-1) Tuesday at Coryell Field. The Owls took an early lead and had the slight majority of the attacking chances, but ultimately dropped their season opener 2-1 to the Valor.
"We showed that we can outplay our opponent," Nienhaus said. "However, we must convert possession into goals. We got stuck at times in the final third and missed some chances that could have changed the game.
"Though we'd love a win, it's a good match to build off. We'll continue to work on playing in the final third and scoring goals."
Megan Hughes got William Woods on the right foot 7:05 into the match, using her left foot and curling her corner kick into the opposite side near the left post as the ball whizzed past a penalty box full of Owls and Valor.
That was the second of five shots on goal the Owls had in the first half, all but two of their seven on target for the match. Evangel placed just two shots onto the net in the first 45 minutes, and unfortunately for Woods, both were goals.
The Valor found their equalizer in the 16th minute, then, with nine minutes left until halftime, the hosts slotted in what proved to be the game-winning goal.
William Woods had two more shots on goal in the contest, and its six corner kicks were two more than Evangel's, but the Valor made the most of the lesser chances it had.
Owls No. 10
Macie Parmer had the most offensive opportunities of any player, registering a match-high four shots and three shots on goal in 70 minutes of action. And,
Sierra Hahn made three saves between the posts for William Woods.
In four days, William Woods will be back in action for its home opener, facing former American Midwest Conference foe Stephens College (0-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at North Campus Athletic Complex in Fulton, Mo. The Owls firmly control their all-time series against the Stars, leading 13-1-1, with the last three matchups between the two Central Missouri teams resulting in wins for WWU.
