The Upper Iowa University women's soccer team prevailed in a double-overtime contest against the University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha, Wis. The 2-1 win advances the Peacocks to a 2-0 record on the season while the Rangers drop to 2-2.
UIU took the first shot of the game in the sixth minute, but the attempt sailed wide and allowed Parkside to go on a counterattack that saw the Rangers get in close before earning a corner kick. The Peacock defense held firm and turned the momentum in their favor as they went on the attack.
Katie Samuels got in good position and sent a beautiful cross to
Haley Ramberg that was put in to score the first goal of the match and give UIU a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Ramberg had an opportunity to double the lead just over a minute later on a one-on-one breakaway chance, but her shot sailed high.
The Peacocks put the pressure on from the 32:07 mark to the 36:27 mark as they took three shots and one corner kick, but the Parkside defense bent without breaking. The first half ended with UIU holding a 7-5 shot advantage that saw each team notch one shot on goal, and UIU's ability to convert their shot on goal left them with the 1-0 lead through the first 45 minutes.
The Peacocks were in control for much of the second half as neither team was able to put together a dangerous offensive push. With just under 10 minutes left in regulation, the Rangers were able to earn a corner kick that came into the box and led to a shot from Parkside's Alexis Bolger that was saved by UIU's
Natalie Rudrud, but Alexis Baker was there to put in the rebound for the Rangers to even the score at 1-1 in the 82nd minute. Baker quickly looked to score again with a shot just 11 seconds after her goal, but it sailed high.
The Peacocks pushed hard in the 89th minute as Samuels put a shot on goal that was saved by Parkside's Izzy Guyer. UIU earned a corner kick at the 88:52 mark as they tried to take the lead before the end of regulation, but the score remained tied through 90 minutes.
Alex Garcia quickly took the first shot in extra time just 10 seconds into the overtime period, and the freshman continued to apply the pressure as she drew a foul and a yellow card just outside the box at the 91:37 mark that led to a pair of UIU corner kicks.
Sasha Lopez got a great look on a shot inside the box off the second corner kick, but Guyer was able to save it for Parkside. The first overtime period went by without a score despite the Peacocks keeping the pressure on the Parkside half of the pitch for the majority of the period.
In the second overtime period, UIU quickly continued their unrelenting offensive attack. Ramberg put a shot on goal at the 101:31 mark that was saved by the Ranger keeper. Not looking to be denied,
Toni Powsey delivered an assist to
Liv Wildeman on a ball that found the back of the net at the 102:37 mark as the freshman scored the golden goal and secured the 2-1 victory for the Peacocks.
The win gives Upper Iowa a 2-0 record for the first time since their 2012 campaign.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME...
- Liv Wildeman scored the golden goal in the 103rd minute to secure the 2-1 win for UIU.
- Haley Ramberg led the Peacocks with four shots (two on goal) and put UIU ahead 1-0 in the eighth minute.
- Katie Samuels took three shots (one on goal) and assisted on Ramberg's opening goal.
- Toni Powsey played all 103 minutes and picked up the assist on Wildeman's game-winning goal.
- Natalie Rudrud saved two of the three shots on goal that she faced.
STATS OF THE GAME...
- The Peacocks finished with a 16-11 advantage in shots and 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, with a 5-0 shot advantage in extra time.
- UIU earned twice as many corner kicks as they took six compared to three for Parkside, and three Peacock corners came in the first OT.
- Upper Iowa was charged with 15 fouls compared to 12 for Parkside, but the Rangers received three yellow cards compared to one for UIU.
COACH'S QUOTES... "This was a good road win against a strong, well-organized team. We weren't as disciplined defensively as we can be but we felt like we controlled the game for the most part. In OT, we looked like the stronger team and I think our effort deserved the win. We're delighted for Liv (Wildeman) to score the winning goal and are happy for the team to get off to a winning start this season." - Head Coach,
James Price
UP NEXT... UIU will play their home opener and start conference play against Southwest Minnesota State University on Pattison Field in Fayette on Friday, Sep. 17 at 2:00 p.m.
