Box Score

Record: Upper Iowa (1-0); Maryville (0-1)

Recap: Head Women's Soccer Coach Brian Diaz knew his team could be explosive on offense this year. The question was, how explosive?

In fact, all the first-year coach had to do was let them run free and be creative. The Peacocks opened up the offense on Thursday afternoon as they hosted Maryville in their season-opener and as part of the 2013 Peacock Soccer Classic. Aimee Wronski led the way for UIU as she scored her first goal as a Peacock and then added another to push UIU out to a 4-2 victory at home.

"We've really tried to free these players up to be creative," Diaz said. "Soccer is a player's game and we've really been able to let them create. I truly believe that we have special players – they're strong attackers and they're dynamic with the ball. We just want them to run with that. We played a very open style of offense today and as you can see, it worked."

The Peacocks, who had a total of 15 shots, five of which were on goal in the first period, came out on fire in the opening minutes of the second half. Playing with an aggressive attitude, Kali Loescher blew past a Maryville defender with the ball and took the edge before being tackled inside the box. Amanda Millard took the penalty kick for Loescher and gave UIU a 1-0 lead with a swift kick to the left of the keeper six minutes into the final period.

The Saints fought back and tied the game at 1-1 with a goal from Amanda Wiechens, but Wronski and company bounced right back. Wronski netted back-to-back goals in a matter of six minutes before Madie Edwards added goal number four for UIU.

Maryville added one final score, but the damage was done – UIU had taken the 4-2 lead and held on for the win to begin the 2013 season 1-0.

"It's always big when you begin your year with a win," Diaz said. "Although we were stiff in the first half and missed some opportunities to score, we blew it open in the second half. It was really nice to see our offense put up four goals and run at them, attacking and pressuring their defense."

After the game, Wronski was all smiles. In all, she took 13 shots, placed 7 on frame and added two scores. Diaz is hoping that type of performance from his young star will continue throughout the year.

"I'm sure it was hard for their defense to slow her down," Diaz said. "We've talked a lot about focusing on the process and working on bettering ourselves. Aimee is a player who epitomizes that philosophy – if she goes out and just plays her game, then I'm not even sure how good she can be, I really don't think she has a ceiling."

Standouts: Upper Iowa - Goals: Wronski (2), Millard (1), Edwards (1); Assists: K. Taldone (1), Weiss (1).

Maryville - Goals: Wiechens (2); Assists: Foley (1).

Up Next: The Peacocks will host Southwest Baptist University tomorrow afternoon on Pattison Field as the 2013 Peacock Soccer Classic continues in Fayette, IA. UIU versus SBU will begin at 3 p.m.