MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois (5-2) women's soccer recovered from a Friday defeat at Eastern Illinois to pick up an easy 7-2 victory over Grand View (2-4) on Sunday afternoon.
Seven Fighting Leathernecks found the back of the net in the rout to continue Western's home dominance under Head Coach Tony Guinn (24-6-5). Six of those Leathernecks collected their first goals of the campaign.
"Obviously, we are always better at home, it is always nice to be home," stated Guinn. "We utilized the full length and width of our field. It is nice to see some of the players we expected to score for us, scored some goals today."
In her first career start, Amy Unzicker netted her first career goal after joining the Leathernecks just a week before the start of the season. Unzicker also displays her athleticism on the tennis courts for Western Illinois.
Kristin Becker crossed the ball in front of the net to Unzicker who finished from 15 yards to put Western up 1-0 in the 11th minute to begin the scoring.
The Vikings were able to tie the match with a Lindsey Bardole breakaway goal in the 24th minute.
The teams went into the break even at a goal apiece but the momentum would soon be completely on the home sideline. Western out shot Grand View 12-4 in the first frame.
Becker again was able to change the complexion of the match with her throw-in ability. She sent a throw into the box where the ball was secured by Miranda Graham and she was able to finish and put Western back on top just after the break in the 52nd minute.
Jordan Spaciel collected her second goal of the season in the 54th minute after Trisha Quinn put her corner skills to use and Jordan Spaciel headed the ball down to Gina Scaffidi foot in front of the net.
Kellie Julius got into the scoring action with a header off an assist from Sarah Wright in the 67th minute to begin a scoring binge for the Leathernecks.
On her first touch of the afternoon, Taylor Henning turned and fired in front of the net and extended the lead to 5-1 in the 69th minute. Kayse Flostrand was credited with assist on the play.
Abby Davis finished the three-minute flurry with a picturesque goal from about 25 yards out and found the top of the net in the 72nd minute.
Jordyn Thompson converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute to give the Vikings its second goal of the match.
With time running out, Chrissy Campbell secured a loose ball and dribbled past the goalkeeper to finish with just a second remaining in regulation.
"Lauren DeWolf was excellent for our defense today and we continue to be led by Katie Condon's work rate and effort," continued Guinn.
Victoria Kappel improves to 5-2 in her first season as the starting goalkeeper and collected three saves on Sunday.
"Victoria is getting better every week," finished Guinn. "She is young but she will continue to improve. We got to play a lot of our young players today, which is always a positive."
The Purple & Gold will venture out on a four-game road swing beginning with Green Bay on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.
Goal Summary
Western Illinois
10:34 - Amy Unzicker secures a Kristin Becker cross in front of the net and finished from 15 yards.
51:27 - On a Becker throw-in, Miranda Graham secures a loose ball and finishes in front of the net.
53:03 - On a Trisha Quinn corner, Jordan Spaciel heads the ball to Gina Scaffidi's foot in front of the net.
66:37 - Sarah Wright finds Kellie Julius who heads it past the net minder.
68:57 - Taylor Henning finishes from 10 yards, Kayse Flostrand with the assist.
71:49 - Abby Davis finishes with the goal of the day, from 25 yards out, top of the net.
89:59 - Chrissy Campbell beats goalkeeper and finishes in the empty net.
Grand View
23:44 - Lindsey Bardole scored on a fast break.
84:32 - Jordyn Thompson penalty kick.
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