In their first official match since Nov. 2019, the Upper Iowa University women's soccer team secured a 1-0 victory over Missouri Southern State University in Mankato, Minn. The Peacocks improve to a 1-0 record on the year while the Lions fall to 0-1.
The shots were flying early and often in the season-opening match as each club put up five shots in the first 30 minutes of action. After some back-and-forth play in the first half, junior Leah Willenbring assisted freshman Katrina Kazluski on a shot from just inside the box that found the back of the net and gave UIU the lead in the 30th minute. The Lions finished the half outshooting the Peacocks 7-5, but senior stalwart Natalie Rudrud saved all three shots on goal as the UIU defense held MSSU scoreless through the first 45 minutes of play.
The Peacock offense was aggressive to start each half as they took the first shot just 41 seconds into the match and opened the second half with the first shot just 2:20 into the second half. The Lions finished the match with a 12-10 lead in shots taken, a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, and a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks, but UIU made their chances count while stifling the MSSU attack. Rudrud finished the match with five saves as she anchored the strong Peacock defensive effort to lock down the 1-0 shutout win.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME...
- Katrina Kazluski scored the match's deciding goal on her only shot attempt in the 30th minute and played the entire match.
- Natalie Rudrud played the whole match and secured five saves on the five shots on goal to complete the shutout.
- Leah Willenbring picked up the assist on the match's lone goal and played the full 90 minutes.
- Katie Samuels applied the pressure and led the match with four shots (one on goal) in 69 minutes of action.
UP NEXT... The Peacocks face the University of Wisconsin - Parkside at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sep. 12 in Kenosha, Wis.
