University of Northern Iowa
Drake
10/20/2024 4:52:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Panthers break scoreless tie early in the second half, but fall to Bulldogs by a 2-1 score. UNI hosts Murray State on Thursday in home finale.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The UNI soccer team netted one goal in the opening minutes of the second half, but would come up short on Sunday against the Drake Bulldogs in a 2-1 loss at home in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play.
Being outshot 14-11 by Drake, UNI saw it’s five-match unbeaten streak snapped to open the final three match stretch of the regular season. The Panthers fall to a tie for sixth-place in the league standings with two matches to play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In a fast-paced and physical first half, UNI’s goalkeeper Caitlin Richards made three key saves to keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard with seven total shot attempts coming her way. UNI itself would get four shot attempts off against Drake starting goalkeeper Kate Hopma.
Olivia Bohl would put the Panthers in the scoring column just 52 seconds into the second half on an unassisted free kick from near midfield for the 1-0 UNI lead. The Bulldogs would level the score in the 56th minute with Layla Kebel scoring on a pass from Zoey Mahoney and Angela Gutierrez, pulling even at 1-1. Drake was awarded a penalty kick in the 61st minute, but Richards made a crucial save on the attempt by Blakey.
The Bulldogs would double their lead in the 65th minute as Eve Blakey put Drake ahead 2-1 on an assist by Kelbel. Northern Iowa would pressure substitute goalkeeper Malan Goodson in the final minutes, with a late header from Ella Annliker just soaring high over the goal.
Olivia Knoepfle and Bohl each finished with two shot attempts in the match, while Denise Camarena, Lauren Heinsch, Kylie Knief and Macy Smith each put one shot into play. In goal, Richards finished with four saves.
"We are all disappointed with the results, but it’s a fair result," said UNI head coach Bruce Erickson after the loss. "Credit to Drake. They were better in every phase and thoroughly outworked us. We will start by doing a better job of preparing our team to play harder, collectively, on Thursday."
ADDITIONAL NOTES
UP NEXT
The Panthers return to action on Thursday, Oct. 24 as they host the Murray State Racers in their final home contest of the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT at the UNI Soccer Field with live coverage available on ESPN+.
UNI women’s soccer action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Panther Soccer), X (@UNI_Soccer) and on Instagram (@unipanthersoccer). The full 2024 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com
