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WIU WSoccer vs GB 0921
WIU Visual Productions Center
0
Western Illinois WIU (0-1-0)
1
Winner Milwaukee UWM (1-0-0)
Western Illinois WIU
(0-1-0)
0
Final
1
Milwaukee UWM
(1-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Western Illinois WIU 0 0 0
Milwaukee UWM 0 1 1

Game Recap: Women's Soccer | | WIU Athletic Communications

Western Illinois Falls to Milwaukee in Season Opener

Several Leathernecks make their debuts in season opener

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. - The Western Illinois women's soccer team opened the 2015 season with a 1-0 loss at Milwaukee on Friday, August  21. Western falls to 0-1-0 on the season while the Panthers move to 1-0-0 on the year.

"Obviously we don't like losing, however we were difficult to break down," said head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. "We are far better at this early stage of the season than at the same point last year. Our effort, passion, and want were on display and were excellent."

It was a defensive battle in the opening half, as neither team was able to gain any offensive momentum. The Panthers were in a position net the game's first goal, as Milwaukee's Anna Smalley got a shot on frame in the 17th minute. Her attempt was saved by senior Victoria Kappel, who would called upon later in the first half. The Panthers once again had scoring chances in the 27th and 32nd minute, but Kappel was there to keep the game at a scoreless draw following the opening 45 minutes of play. Kappel would finish the night with five saves.

WIU and Milwaukee each created a number of scoring chances in the second half, as play opened up for both sides. It was the Panthers who would connect for the first, and only, goal of the night, as Smalley found a way to beat Kappel to the far post in the 52nd minute of the game.

The Leatherneck attack heated up as Ashley Kuhlmann, making her Purple and Gold debut, put the team's first shot on target in the 60th minute. Senior Skyler Jessop had a chance to even things up less than a minute later following a Milwaukee foul, but her try on net missed wide keeping the game at a 1-0 lead for the host Panthers.

Western continued the offensive pressure behind the foot of Daniela Salinas, as her shots in the 74th and 77th minute were on target. Each attempt was saved by Milwaukee's Paige Lincicum, who recorded three saves on the night. In the closing minutes of the game WIU made one final push to even the score as Tyra Markey (87th minute) and Jessop (89th minute) each took a chance at net. Both shots missed the mark, and Milwaukee held on for the 1-0 victory.

Five players made their Purple and Gold debut, with Kuhlmann and Maddie Wilsey each recording their first career start. Madeline Edwards, Kayla Kirkwood, and Caitlin Rerucha all came off the bench in the opening match of the season.

"At times last season I was unhappy with the way we represented the University and the program," added Flogaites. "Tonight I thought we were a credit to the jersey and I am very proud of the manner in which we played and competed. I think people should be on the lookout for us as we have a lot of good things happening."

Western returns to the field and opens a three-match homestand on Friday, August 28, as the Leathernecks play host to Eastern Illinois. The in-state rivalry between the Leathernecks and Panthers is set to begin at 3 p.m. on the John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
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