CHICAGO, Ill. — The Western Illinois women's soccer team battled throughout Sunday afternoon but fell 2-0 to UIC at Flames Field.
UIC opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Camryn Ries found the back of the net off an assist from Elyse Deschryver, giving the Flames a 1-0 advantage.
Western Illinois goalkeeper Mahee-Lee Caron kept the Leathernecks within striking distance throughout the opening half, making five saves before halftime. Caron stopped attempts from Delaney Engel, Jennifer Rodriguez, Emily Crotty, Ajla Gradjan and Riley Cunningham.
The Leathernecks entered halftime trailing 1-0 before UIC continued to pressure the Western Illinois defense early in the second half.
Caron continued to keep the Leathernecks within one, making three saves during the opening 15 minutes of the second half, including two stops on shots from Crotty.
UIC doubled its lead in the 76th minute when Delaney Engel found the back of the net, pushing the Flames' advantage to 2-0.
Western Illinois continued to battle in the final minutes, but UIC held on for the 2-0 victory.
Caron finished the afternoon with nine saves for the Leathernecks.
Western Illinois returns to action Sunday when it hosts Illinois State at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
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