MACOMB, Ill. – Jordan Spaciel's early goal helped Western Illinois to a 1-0 victory over Green Bay at John MacKenzie Alumni Field on Thursday, Sept. 16.
The Fighting Leathernecks (3-3-2) struck quickly when Spaciel gathered a cross from Sarah Blaase just outside the six-yard box and netted her second goal of the season in the third minute.
"Sarah did a great job of keeping possession of the ball in on the right side," Spaciel said. "She saw me coming up on the left with two defenders behind me and just put in a great pass and I was able to get it in to the left side of the net."
Spaciel's goal marked the first time this season that Western has scored inside the first ten minutes of play. It also marked the first game-winning goal of her career.
"It was huge for us to come out and get that first goal so early," said head coach Tony Guinn. "Green Bay isn't a team that gets scored on a lot and I think it shocked them a little bit."
The Leathernecks had control of the match for most of the first half, outshooting the Phoenix by a six to five margin, including four to three in shots on goal.
"We did a great job of possessing the ball today," Spacial said. "That's something we've been working on and something we'll need to continue to do in order to pick up wins."
Despite numerous quality chances, Western was unable to add to its lead in the first half. The Leathernecks nearly scored when Amber Davis sent a cross to Ali Smyth into the middle of the box late in the first half, but the ball deflected off a Green Bay defender.
Western Illinois turned up the pressure early in the second half, putting seven shots on target, but were unable to add an insurance goal.
The Phoenix would seize momentum midway through the second half, producing several quality opportunities, but Leatherneck goalkeeper Laura Atkinson kept Green Bay off the board for her second shutout of the season.
"I really thought our defense and our goalkeeper played outstanding today," said assistant coach Jason Cherry. "They did a great job of working together to keep Green Bay off the board."
Atkinson (2-2-1) made six stops for her seventh career victory as the Leathernecks picked up their second shutout in the past three matches.
Western outshot Green Bay by a 14 to 11 margin and put 12 shots on target. Both teams were called for ten fouls while Green Bay had a two to one edge in corners.
The Leathernecks will return to action on Sunday when they play host to Eastern Illinois at noon as part of a men's/women's soccer doubleheader.
