Box Score

The Peacock soccer team breathed a sigh of relief following their match with the Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, Minn.  Upper Iowa needed a win today to stay in the hunt for a spot in the NSIC Tournament.

The Peacocks got their win and climbed from tenth to seventh in the standings as they evened their NSIC record to 4-4-2.  But the win didn't come easy and without drama.

The home team scored the game's first goal in the sixth minute on a corner kick.  Upper Iowa outshot their hosts 15-5 in the opening half, but came up empty on the scoreboard. 

The one goal lead held up until the 75th minute when Valeria Ptasinski scored a goal on assists from Leslie Willson and Kali Loescher.  Once the Peacocks put the goal on the board to tie, the team dug down and went for the victory. 

UIU's offense poured it on over the next six minutes scoring the gamewinning goal and an insurance goal in the 79th and 81st minutes.  Kelsey Taldone scored the first goal and Elizabeth Kaluzinski hit the final score to give the Peacocks a 3-1 win and push them to the top of a group with four NSIC wins.

Amanda Smith made six saves in goal to post the victory.

The Peacocks (6-7-2, 4-4-2 NSIC) will move over to Mankato, Minnesota for tomorrow's matchup with the conference leaders.  Minnesota State is ranked #5 nationally and defeated #25 Winona State this afternoon by a 1-0 count to remain undefeated in NSIC play.