Upper Iowa's women's soccer team made a statement with their first win of the 2019 season on Monday. After Sunday's contest with the Golden Eagles of the University of Minnesota Crookston was postponed due to lightning and high winds, the Peacocks scored a late first half goal and added two more scores in the second half to earn their first victory and second shutout of the season. After the three goal win, UIU improved to 1-4-2 overall and 1-2-1 in the NSIC and moved into a tie for ninth place in the standings.
Facienne Graham scored her second goal of the road trip to put Upper Iowa ahead with just three minutes to play in the first half. The Peacocks kept momentum on their side through the halftime break and came out strong scoring the game's second goal about three minutes into the second frame.
Haley Ramberg finished an assist from Graham to gibe UIU a 2-0 lead. Emily Fellowes left no doubt in the 85th minute when she scored the team's final goal.
Goalkeeper
Natalie Rudrud needed only 4 saves to post the shutout after the Peacock defense protected her from seeing much action.
Peacock of the Match... Facienne Graham scored the game's first goal to get UIU ahead and then assisted on UIU's first insurance goal in the second half. For the road trip, Graham registered five points thanks to a goal in each match and the assist on Monday.
Stats of the Match...
- The Peacocks mark the first time since the 2017 season that UIU has scored more than one goal in a match. The last time the squad scored three or more goals came the last time UIU was in Crookston, Minn. when they posted a 5-1 win
- Upper Iowa out-shot their guests 24-7 including a 14-4 advantage in shots on goal in some cold, windy weather
- The Peacocks earned 11 corner kicks, while keeping the Golden Eagles without a restart in the corner
Quotables... "We had a solid performance under difficult conditions today. Getting the first goal before halftime was very important and we have Facienne to thank for some terrific individual play. The second half goals came from sustained pressure and were both well taken efforts from Haley and Emma. I was pleased with how we managed the game towards the end and maintained the shutout. Hopefully we can build on this result and performance." -
James Price, Head Women's Soccer Coach
Up Next... The Peacocks will return home this Friday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 6 with a pair of matches on Pattison Field as part of UIU's Homecoming Weekend. Upper Iowa will host Minnesota State University Moorhead on Friday and Northern State University on Sunday.
