Box Score

Box Score

Winona, Minn. – One goal was the deciding factor in Friday night’s NSIC conference opener for the Peacocks. The bad news though, it wasn’t Upper Iowa that scored. Winona State took advantage of a free kick sent into the goalie box just nine and a half minutes into the first half, which Hadley Bales redirected to the back of the net. Despite flashing offensive opportunities, neither team could connect with the net for the final 80 minutes. The 1-0 Warrior victory marks the Peacock’s first loss this year as they fall to 2-1.

 The wind was strong at the start of the match and it never slowed. That seemed to make the contest even more physical. Collisions occurred every ten minutes or so as if on cue, and overall, four yellow cards were handed out – three going to UIU.

 It was a penalty that led to the first and only score.

The Warriors’ Kelsey Foss took a place kick around 40 yards out after a Peacock penalty. Foss connected with Bales, who took a quick dribble before scoring from ten yards out. It was the only goal Peacock goalkeeper Amanda Smith allowed, but it was enough to propel Winona State to the win. Smith finished with four saves and now has 11 in three games this season.

The Warriors’ 1-0 lead was still in place at halftime, but things did not improve for UIU in the final 45 minutes.

UIU was able to earn a couple good looks at the goal late in the game thanks to precise crosses from Kelsey Taldone, Amanda Millard and Valeria Ptasinski, but they were not able to score. The Peacocks did not take a single corner kick all night and were outshot 16-10 in the game.

UIU will now travel home for Sunday’s match against the Hornets of Emporia State. The Peacocks will take the pitch at Pattison Field at 12 p.m.