JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College women's soccer squad dug in early on, but ultimately fell, 2-0, to the Vikings of North Park University. The Lady Blues slip to 1-3-0 on the young season.
North Park controlled the pitch in the early stage of the match, recording four shots in the first five minutes. The Vikings were able to find the back of the net 12 minutes in, after a deflected shot fell to the feet of Sam Moreno, who was able to finish the close-range shot.
The counter-attack began almost immediately for Illinois College, with
Mychaela Bennett charging forward and lacing a strike on goal, but North Park keeper Cassandra Fajardo was able to pull it in for a save.
Following the save, both teams' defense was air tight. During the final 15 minutes of the first half, both teams combined for only three shots. None of the shots were close to threatening and so North Park took the 1-0 advantage over IC into the break.
With its defense keeping close-range attacks to a minimum, Illinois College goalkeeper
Lindsey Kormelink had to face numerous attempts from free kicks and corners. Moreno had multiple free kicks that found their way into the danger zone, but there were no Vikings that were able to connect and extend the lead until the very end.
North Park's break came with just minutes remaining in the match. Clara Wernbo collected a short pass, maneuvered around an IC defender and slid the ball into the bottom left-hand corner, putting the Vikings up 2-0, and putting the game out of reach for the Lady Blues.
Illinois College will look to bounce back tomorrow when the Lady Blues welcome Rockford University to Jacksonville. Match time is set for 1 p.m.
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