Upper Iowa (0-2-1) welcomed the Rangers of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside to Pattison Field in Fayette for the final game of the Peacock Soccer Classic on Sunday afternoon. The Rangers (1-3) scored a pair of goals in the first half to post their first win of the season.
The Rangers scored an early goal as Alexis Baker broke the Peacock defense down and carried the ball into the box. Baker hit a shot into the net giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead in the 14
th minute. Late in the first half, the Peacocks passed back toward their goalie. As
Natalie Rudrud tried to clear the ball, her kick ricocheted off Baker and bounced into the goal for her second score of the match. The second goal came in the 40
th minute.
After the first 45 minutes of play, Parkside had a 13-4 advantage in shots. Upper Iowa was more aggressive in the second half earning an 11-7 advantage in shots. The closest chance for the Peacocks came in the final minutes when an attempt off the foot of
Facienne Graham hit the post and bounced away.
Graham and
Jessica Kron led the team with four shots apiece.
Natalie Rudrud posted seven saves, but did allow a pair of goals.
TURNING POINT... After an early goal by the Rangers, the Peacocks looked as if they had begun to settle into the game flow. With just over five minutes to play in the half, the defense played a ball back to Rudrud in the box, but Alexis Baker hustled after the pass and deflected UIU's clear into the net. The goal changed the emotion of the game and stunned UIU.
STAT OF THE GAME... Parkside registered a 20-15 advantage in total shots for the game, but more importantly the Rangers claimed a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal. Izzy Guyer, who started and played the first half, made one save for UWP, while Adrianna Bratel played the second half and made one stop.
QUOTABLES...
UP NEXT... The Peacocks will close out their current five-match home stand next Friday and Sunday, Sept. 20 and 22. Upper Iowa will host Concordia-St. Paul on Friday at 4 p.m. and then welcome Minnesota State University, Mankato to Fayette on Sunday at 1 p.m.
