The Winona State Warriors girl’s soccer team fell to the Central Missouri Jennies 4-2 and to the Truman State Bulldogs 2-0 this past weekend on the road.

In Friday’s game, the Warriors struggled the first half as Central Missouri scored within the first three minutes and twice again all within the first half.

Freshman Devon Richards put up the first point for Winona State and for her first college career goal.

The girls came out looking strong in the second half, despite the two-goal deficit 3-1.

Within five minutes, junior Samantha Fegen scored to pull within one.

“We gave up an early goal that our goal keeper made the initial save but our defense did not clear the ball,” said Warriors Head Coach, Ali Omar. “Second goal was our own goal where we misplayed the ball into our own net. Down 2-0 to the top team in the MIAA within 15 minutes was not a good way to start. “

Though four went by, goalie Alexandria Vial saved six in her first career start.

“Alex played well in goal but we did not help her enough,” said Omar.

Omar attributed some responsibility of the loss to the weather.

“The weather was miserable to say the least,” said Omar. “We played in a down pour thanks to hurricane Isaac.” “We had a lot of chances to come ahead but it was not meant to be,” said Omar. “It was a great effort by the warriors but we don’t get points for effort and we left with a loss.”

The team came out strong on Sunday’s game against Truman State.

“The game was played under the sun. No rain and we were hoping for a better game and a better result.”

Though strong efforts were shown from both teams, the Bulldogs came out victorious 2-0.

“First half was played to 0-0 tie and early second half but bad luck struck again in a defensive miscue where we inadvertently scored Truman’s first goal for them,” said Omar.

Vial echoed Friday’s game and succeeded in making six saves on goal.

Katy Soliday attempted three shots, leading in attempts for the Warriors in the day.

“Although we would have loved to get something for our effort we come home down 0-2 on the season looking forward to the next practice opportunity to make some adjustments,” said Omar. “You never want to start 0-2 but that’s what we have; with 16 games left of the season and the start of our conference we need to forget fast and look ahead to our next match up.”

“I think we need to focus on our movement on and off the ball and finding the open passing lanes,” said Soliday. “I think our first two games were definitely a learning experience but I still have high hopes for the rest of our season.”

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