Box Score Box Score
Records
Upper Iowa - 5-2 (3-1 NSIC) || U-Mary - 1-5-1 (1-2-1 NSIC)
Recap
It took an extra period for the Upper Iowa Women's Soccer team to knock off their hosts in North Dakota, but the Peacocks pulled it off.
In overtime against the University of Mary Marauders, UIU forward
Aimee Wronski netted her third game-winning goal of the 2013 season and it was her sister who helped her score. Setting the stage for what could be a dynamic duo in the coming years,
Corinne Wronski looped a ball into the box in the 97th minute and found her younger sister, who rocketed the ball with one touch to the back of the net to propel UIU to a 1-0 NSIC victory over the Marauders.
With the win, the Peacocks improve to 5-2 overall this year and 3-1 in conference play, while U-Mary falls to 1-5-1 overall and 1-2-1 in NSIC play after the loss.
Despite the heroics surrounding an impressive finish, it wasn't just the offense that stood out. The Peacocks defense held the Marauders to just five total shots in the game, marking an 11-month span since UIU did that last to Minnesota Crookston on October 12, 2012.
For the majority of the game, the Peacocks offense, which averages 20.5 shots per game this season, was also held in check. UIU had just nine shots in regulation, while two came in overtime. At the end of the day, none of that mattered as the final shot proved to be the dagger.
For the youngest Wronski sister, her game-winning goal was her seventh score this season. The Peacocks leading scorer last year
Kali Loescher finished with seven and earned an all-conference honorable mention.
Now, UIU will prepare for one of its toughest tests on the road this year. The Peacocks will face Minot State on Sunday at 1 p.m. in North Dakota.
Stat of the Day
The Peacocks earned their second shutout of the 2013 season on Friday; they had 14 in 2012.
Sounding Off
Head Coach Brian Diaz after the win...
On the Win… "Obviously, it's a great conference win against a very good team. U-Mary has a good team this year and they are a tough opponent. To get an overtime win, regardless of the score, it's going to be a hard-fought win – those wins are always gritty. I think our girls revealed a lot about their character and their fight today."
On the Marauders Defense… "They're a very organized team defensively and they work hard to limit what you do as an offense. They were able to match up well against us and that played into the low-scoring outcome. We were able to make some changes and adjustments to get after them late in the game and I think that was the difference."
On Aimee Wronski's Goal… "In the overtime period, we were really pushing them and pressing their defense. We had some chances late in the second half, but we couldn't convert. In overtime, I think the whole bench got ready to rush the field when Aimee entered that box in the 97th minute. Her sister found her with a great pass and she absolutely smashed a left-footed volley – that was pure class. She didn't control it, she just finished it."
On the Shutout… "When we play our style, we're a very tough team to beat. If we can continue to do the things we've been working on, I think we'll go far. I thought the defense did an excellent job today. We talk about just getting better every single day, and I think that happened. We were better today than we were against St. Cloud last weekend. That's our process."
On Playing Minot State… "It's a big game. The Beavers are a good team and they could be in the race to win this conference. It's tough to go on the road and get wins, but that's what we have to do. We expect another match like todays – it's going to be a gritty, hard-fought game."
UIU Standouts
Aimee Wronski (Goal), Corinne Wronski (Assist).
Next Up
The Peacocks will take on a strong Minot State squad in Minot, North Dakota on Sunday at 1 p.m. Follow the live stats or live video links
here.
