Upper Iowa fell to Purdue University-Northwest by a 3-2 count in the opening match of the 2021 season. Following the game, UIU begins the year 0-1 while PNW will start their season 1-0.
After a quiet start to the match, Upper Iowa found the back of the net first at the 17:03 mark. Stan Cargill scored from 25 feet out from the left side of the pitch. The sophomore from London, England saw his first attempt deflected by the Pride's goalie but Cargill rebounded the ricochet and was able to score.
Reighly Schultz saw 11 shots come his way in the first half, four of which were on target that all resulted in saves. Upper Iowa opened up the second frame by adding to their lead. Just 1:18 into the half Tate Lofdahl found Stan Cargill open down field in Pride territory. Cargill then found Alan Dunlop who struck the ball past PNW's goalkeeper giving UIU a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute.
Purdue-Northwest cut their deficit in half at the 61:13 mark. Matt Bahena, the Pride's leading scorer during the 2019 season, moved into the box and got off a shot that was quickly deflected and saved by Schultz. Isaiah Nieves regained possession for PNW and scored on the left side of the net as Schultz had no time to react. Less than two minutes later with 63:12 played thus far, Schultz blocked a shot off the foot of Edin Galvez before Bahena got the rebound and scored his first goal of the 2021 campaign. Bahena scored again at the 72:39 mark, this time from the right side of the box to put the home team ahead 3-2. PNW maintained their advantage for the remainder of the match claiming the win.
TURNING POINT... Purdue-Northwest's first goal in the 61st minute sparked two other scores in an 11:26 span.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME...
STATS OF THE GAME...
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UIU held a 60% shot on goal percentage compared to a 36% rate posted by PNW.
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Purdue-Northwest had 11 corner kicks in the match while Upper Iowa had none.
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Schultz had six saves on the day compared to one made by the Pride's keeper.
QUOTABLES... "Really felt great to be playing competitively again even though the prep time for preparing for a season was so short given the winter. Despite that, we defended very well for long spells in the game. We were strongly encouraged with how we started the 2nd half by going 2-0 up in the first couple of minutes and looked like we were playing well with purpose," said Head Coach
Willie McGowan.
"Ultimately, we couldn't hold on to the lead and Purdue was able to capitalize on some individual errors from our guys. Being the first game in so long away from the sport, we were certainly rusty and not quite match fit which led to some of the decisions we made. However, the attitude and effort was never in doubt and we saw a lot of positives to build on as we move forward."
UP NEXT... The Peacocks will face the Timberwolves of Northwood University on Sunday, Mar. 14 at 12 p.m. for their first home match of the young season.
