For the second straight game, the Upper Iowa women's soccer team lost a 1-0 decision. This time, it came at the hands of the Bemidji State Beavers. In a game that was back and forth and tightly contested the entire way, it was BSU who scored just enough. The Beavers scored in the first half, and held on with solid defense in the second frame to preserve the shutout. With the loss, Upper Iowa falls to 2-3 overall (1-2 NSIC) while Bemidji State improves to 5-1 (3-0 NSIC).
The Beavers' focus in the first half was on the offense. All nine of the Beavers' shots in the game came in the first 45 minutes, including the lone goal of the match. In the 19th minute, Bayley Ertl received a header from Raquel Thelen and was able to gain just enough control of the ball to send it in. BSU took the early lead, and that was all they needed. The first half was controlled by the visitors, as Bemidji State led in shots (9-3) and corners earned (7-5). Both teams had many opportunities from corner kicks, but the defenses won every time to keep the match 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Upper Iowa had their chances. The Peacocks held an 8-0 advantage in shot attempts, but were unable to convert them into goals. UIU's best chance to score game in the 82nd minute when senior
Lauren Sharp found a spot in the Beaver defense, but goalkeeper Catherine Arneson made a diving save on the right side to keep the score 1-0. The Peacocks earned three corners in the final stanza, but the visiting defense held on for the shutout.
The home team held a slight advantage in shot attempts (11-9) and corner kicks (8-7), but Arneson earned five saves to preserve the win, improving to 2-1 in the net this season. Peacock goalkeeper
Caila Petrie was solid in goal, finishing the day with four saves of her own, but takes the loss and falls to 2-3 in the net.
The Peacocks will hed west to Sioux Falls, S.D. next Friday, Sept. 23 to square off with the Vikings of Augustana University. Two days later, the Peacocks will come back to Pattison Field to close out the weekend with the Wayne State Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Augie, and a 1 p.m. kickoff is set for Sunday against Wayne State.
