Former WIU Goalkeeper Records Shutout During Women's World Cup

Loes Geurts recorded five saves in the Netherlands' 1-0 win over New Zealand to open the competition.

MACOMB, Ill. - When the Netherlands faces host Canada on Monday (June 15), fans of Western Illinois women's soccer may see a familiar face in goal for the Dutch. Loes Geurts played for the Leathernecks in 2005 before returning to Europe to play professionally. Since that time, Geurts has made more than 100 appearances for Holland.

On opening day (June 6) of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, the 29-year-old Geurts earned the start in goal, making five saves in a 1-0 win over New Zealand. The victory has the Dutch in prime position to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. The former Western Illinois goalkeeper received an injury during the match, forcing her to sit out the Oranje Leeuwinnen (Lionesses) second match against China.

Geurts has since returned to the practice field and appears to be ready for the third and final Group A match against the host Canadians as Holland looks to advance to the knockout stages in its first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup appearance.

During the qualification process, Geurts guided the Lionesses to a 6-1-1 record in Group 5 and a place in the play-off. After a 4-1 win on aggregate over Scotland, Holland earn their spot with a 2-1 second leg victory over Italy in Verona following a 1-1 draw in The Hague, Netherlands.

A Second Team All-Summit League selection in 2005, Geurts was named 'Defensive Player of the Week' on September 12, 2005, less than one month after making her international debut against Finland on August 5. The Wûnseradiel, Netherlands native posted three shutouts in 2005 for Western Illinois with a 1.35 goals against average. Geurts sits tenth or better in six career categories including minutes in goal (1,265:46) in the Western Illinois record books. Following her one season in Macomb, Geurts became the top choice in goal for the Netherlands, making 105 appearances coming in to Monday's match.

Geurts and the Oranje Leeuwinnen enter the final match with three points, and one point behind Group A leaders Canada. With a draw, Holland put themselves in a good position to qualify for the next round unless China defeats New Zealand. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

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