EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Fighting Leathernecks (3-1) played the first of three consecutive road matches on Friday night at SIU-Edwardsville (1-1). Two late goals in the first half were all the Purple & Gold would need and would secure the 2-1 victory.
The 3-1 start to 2011 is one of the best starts in program history and is the best mark in head coach Tony Guinn's career at Western Illinois.
Freshman Trisha Quinn ended the first half with an impressive display of accuracy and talent.
The first showcase of that skill occurred in the 41st minute as Quinn sent a corner kick into the box where Amber Davis finished for the first goal her season and the night.
"Amber Davis jumped over everybody and headed it in the net," said coach Guinn.
Just two minutes later, Quinn was again set up for another corner kick and decided to put this one in herself and bent it around the bar.
"Two of our captains did a full scouting report on SIUE and gave it to the team," continued Guinn. So far this season, they have given up some goals on set pieces and corners in particular. We went to a different system during a water break and got three corner kicks and scored on two of them."
The Leathernecks out shot SIUE 8-4 after 45 minutes of action.
In the 80th minute, SIUE closed the deficit to one with a goal from Kiara Akpore.
That would be as close as the Cougars would get, as Western Illinois would hold onto the victory.
Coach Guinn had some glowing comments following the match for his freshman defender.
"Trisha Quinn and Jenny Green are both very tough," stated Guinn. Trisha can serve the ball with both her left and right foot. She is great in the air, is a physical presence and is a really intelligent soccer player. Jenny Green is the best defensive player I have coached in my life and Trisha is a lot like her, she is not there yet but she is close."
In her fourth career start, goalkeeper Victoria Kappel improved to 3-1 and collected five saves on the night.
"I am glad we recruited Victoria," said Guinn. She has two shut outs and three wins in her first four games."
Western was out shot 16-11 and also was at a disadvantage in corners, 7-3. However, Western made the most of its opportunities.
The two programs combined for 30 fouls and three yellow cards.
"SIUE had some really talented kids," stated Guinn. Abby Davis had an assignment tonight to mark their best offensive threat and she did an excellent job."
Western Illinois will be back in action against Drake on Sunday in Des Moines, Iowa at 1 p.m.
Goal Summary
Western Illinois
40:30 - On a Trisha Quinn corner... Amber Davis finishes.
42:55 - Trisha Quinn bends her own corner kick into the back of the net.
SIUE
79:36 - Kiara Akpore scores from 15 yards in front of the net... Devon Thomas with the assist.
