The Upper Iowa University women's soccer team stayed undefeated on the season as they secured a 1-0 win over the University of Sioux Falls on Pattison Field in Fayette. The Peacocks improve to 4-0 (2-0 NSIC) on the year while the Cougars fall to 1-4 (1-1 NSIC) on the season.
Much like Friday's match against SMSU, Sunday's contest was influenced by a steady wind that kept either team from getting into a great rhythm in the first half. Upper Iowa was attacking against the wind in the first period but was still able to record a 6-2 advantage in shots taken. The Cougars took the first shot of the match in the fifth minute that
Natalie Rudrud saved for UIU, and the Peacocks proceeded to take the next five shots (three on goal) before USF's next attempt in the 25th minute.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes of play, Upper Iowa came out and significantly turned up the pressure in the second period with the wind at their backs. The Peacocks took the first eight shots of the half (six on goal) and kept the ball on the USF side of the pitch for the majority of the period. In the 74th minute,
Katie Samuels cut off a USF attack at midfield and delivered a perfect pass over the Cougar defense that gave
Sami Reding a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper. Reding corralled the ball and scored a goal off her right foot to give Upper Iowa a 1-0 lead at the 73:46 mark. Reding had another good look to double the UIU lead and score her second goal of the season at the 75:52 mark, but the USF goalkeeper made the save.
The Cougars took their first and only shot of the second half in the 81st minute, but the attempt was off target. The Peacocks kept the pressure on with four more shots in the final nine minutes of play and held on to secure the 1-0 shutout win and improve to 4-0.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME...
- Sami Reding's first goal of her collegiate career in the 74th minute proved to be the game-winner. The freshman finished with the second-most shots of the match (3) and tied for first in shots on goal (2).
- Katie Samuels dished out her team-leading second assist of the season on the deciding goal. Samuels also helped UIU keep control as she led the match with six shots (two on goal).
- Aimee Sies helped the UIU defense secure their third shutout while playing the full 90 minutes. Sies handled most of UIU's free kicks and put two shots on goal on those opportunities.
- Natalie Rudrud secured saves on the only two shots on goal that she faced and held the opponent scoreless for the third time in four tries this season.
STATS OF THE GAME...
- The Peacocks notched a 6-2 shot advantage in the first half before out-shooting USF by a 12-1 mark in the second period. UIU finished with a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.
- Upper Iowa earned 12 corner kicks in the match while allowing none, tallying 11 of those dozen attempts in the second half.
- UIU looked to be more under control as they were whistled for eight fouls compared to 15 by Sioux Falls.
- The Cougars secured eight saves compared to two for UIU, but the Peacocks saved both shots on goal while USF's one goal allowed proved to be the difference.
UP NEXT... UIU will play the second half of their four-game homestand against a pair of NSIC foes as they host the University of Minnesota Duluth on Friday, Sep. 24 at 3:30 p.m. on Pattison Field before welcoming St. Cloud State University to Fayette for a match on Sunday, Sep. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
