2008 Woodie Awards
Women's soccer wins conference opener at home
Women fall to Division I Western Illinois and Division III Wartburg
Marc Matheny - STAFF WRITER
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Sports
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Before the two matches, the Vikings opened their conference play against William Penn. Two goals by sophomore midfielder Alex Ackerman and another by senior forward Ashley Thielen allowed for the Vikings to pick up the win and start 1-0 in the Midwest Classic Conference.
Coach Ventsi Stomirov said, "It was important to step up and play against a conference rival. Conference has become the most important part of the season."
After the win against William Penn, the Vikings traveled to Wartburg. The team was unable to collect a goal after being outshot 18-2 by the Knights, as Wartburg was able to pick up the 2-0 win. Stomirov said the possession was even in the first half and about 65-35 in the second half.
"We didn't materialize possession into shots on goal," Stomirov said.
Wartburg was able to earn six more corner kicks than the Vikings and forced freshman goalkeeper Jorie Shields-Smith to make seven saves.
Ackerman said, "We went into the game with high hopes. It is disappointing we lost."
The matchup with NCAA Division Western Illinois was a game where luck seemed to slip away for the Vikings in the last couple minutes. First, the Bulldogs opened the scoring in the ninth minute. In the 74th minute, senior defender Alexis Purdum tied the game up after she was able to score a penalty kick.
The Vikings fell on the unlucky side as Western Illinois was able to bring in the winning goal in the 89th minute, edging out a 2-1 victory. Even though the Vikings lost, Stomirov said it was a very solid performance.
"The girls played very well. I am very proud of their effort," she said.
Senior forward Sara Sweisberger said, "We played outstanding for being an NAIA team and playing a Division I school. I think it was the best game that Grand View has played in a while and it shows we have potential to win all the rest of our games."
The Vikings looked to be out-match by their opponents. The team was outshot 17-4 and corner kicks were 8-2. Goalkeeper Shields-Smith was once again forced to make seven saves in the match. The statistics overshadow how close the game really was.
Stomirov said, "They were a very experienced and well coached team. We were a little unlucky to concede a goal with a minute or two left."
Sweisberger said, "I feel we have a lot of skill and determination to win games and therefore our team should be very successful and hopefully can take the conference title this year."
The Vikings (2-6-1) prepare for a four game road trip starting with Waldorf College.
Be the first to comment on this story