Leathernecks Drop Midweek Match to Northern Iowa

Western Illinois women's soccer falls to Northern Iowa on Tuesday, 3-0

Box Score CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Western Illinois women's soccer team traveled to Cedar Falls, Iowa for a nonconference matchup against Northern Iowa on Tuesday, September 8. The Leathernecks fell to the Panthers by a score of 3-0 to move to 1-4-0 on the season. With the victory, the Panthers improve to 3-2-2.

"They were the better team on the evening. We never got started in the match and that is down to our failure to bring the right energy, and as well as UNI's desire," said head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. "We didn't deserve anything else from the match, and the manner that we conceded the first goal summed up the evening."

The Leathernecks first chance to score came in the 12th minute behind the foot of Skyler Jessop who took a shot on target, but UNI's keeper Whitney Blunt made the stop. Following a corner kick from Tyra Markey, Jessop was able to get another shot on goal in the 13th minute, but Blunt was there again.

In the 16th minute following a Panther corner kick, UNI's Amber Nieland took a shot that deflected off of Victoria Kappel and found the back of the net, giving Northern Iowa a 1-0 lead.

Roughly 10 minutes later in the 26th minute Madeline Edwards put a dangerous shot on frame for the Leathernecks but couldn't get it past Blunt.

Kappel fought to keep the Panthers' lead from extending by making three saves in the later portion of the first half, but UNI's persistence paid off when Maggie Riley found the back of the net in the 43rd minute to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead heading into intermission.

"We wasted an incredible first half performance by Victoria Kappel, and a superior effort from Michaela Cody who gave everything to the match even though it was a losing effort," said Flogaites.

Brianna Hughes gave the Leathernecks its first opportunity to get on the board in the 55th minute, but Blunt was there to make her fourth save of the evening.

In the 64th minute, the Panthers would extend their lead to 3-0 when Meredith Mcmanaman got the ball past Lexi Harris. Harris checked into goal for the first time this season and played the entirety of the second period. She would go on to make a save in the 83rd minute before the end of regulation.

In the 89th minute, Samantha Lehnen would make one final push for the Leathernecks, but her shot went wide and the Panthers would take the victory, 3-0.

"Credit to UNI, it was a bitterly disappointing effort from us," added Flogaites.

The Purple and Gold continue their five game road swing on Friday, September 11, when they take on the Austin Peay Governors in Clarksville, Tennessee. Kick off for the match is slated for 7 p.m.

Tweet #W1U

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#10 Michaela Cody: M; 5' 2"; Sophomore; Buena

#6 Madeline Edwards: F; 5' 6"; Freshman; Marian

#00 Lexi Harris: GK; 5' 6"; Sophomore; Lincoln East

#11 Brianna Hughes: F; 5' 7"; Junior; Moline

#33 Skyler Jessop: M/F; 5' 9"; Senior; Grayslake Central

#0 Victoria Kappel: GK; 5' 10"; Senior; Carl Sandburg

#5 Tyra Markey: F; 5' 7"; Junior; Garfield

#22 Samantha Lehnen: D; 5' 3"; Freshman; Menomonee Falls

Players Mentioned

#10 Michaela Cody
: 5' 2"; Sophomore; Buena
: M

#6 Madeline Edwards
: 5' 6"; Freshman; Marian
: F

#00 Lexi Harris
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; Lincoln East
: GK

#11 Brianna Hughes
: 5' 7"; Junior; Moline
: F

#33 Skyler Jessop
: 5' 9"; Senior; Grayslake Central
: M/F

#0 Victoria Kappel
: 5' 10"; Senior; Carl Sandburg
: GK

#5 Tyra Markey
: 5' 7"; Junior; Garfield
: F

#22 Samantha Lehnen
: 5' 3"; Freshman; Menomonee Falls
: D