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Erin Cochran/Winonan
The Winona State women’s soccer team swept their weekend games, winning over Upper Iowa 1-0 and Northwest Missouri State 2-1.
The Warriors came out strong in their home opener on Friday at Verizon Wireless Stadium.
“Friday’s game versus upper Iowa was our first conference game and our home opener,” said Ali Omar, the Warriors women’s soccer team head coach.
“It was great to be at home after the miserable trip to Missouri last week. It was great weather and a great group.”
The team out shot Upper Iowa by six shots on goal and Alexandria Vial had her first shutout of her college career. She also made four saves.
The game proved to be demanding on part of the Warriors’ defense.
The team commanded the lead from the first half as Hadley Bales scored with an assist from Kelsey Foss.
In the second half, Vial only saw two shots on goal due to the electric Winona State defense.
“We came out strong and scored the only goal that was needed to win the game,” said Omar. “It was a bit tense, physical game that saw upper Iowa picking up three yellow cards. They tried to get us off of our game but our players showed a lot of discipline and did not react to any of their antics.”
“We once again got back on the bus and made another trip to Missouri for the final game of the weekend.”
Sunday’s game proved to be just as strong as the Warriors defeated the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats 2-1.
The team made e different impression in Missouri after last weekend’s losses due impartially to the horrible weather.
Winona State took 15 shots on putting in 12 towards the goal.
Goalkeeper Vial made six saves proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
All two of the Warrior’s goals were scored after the first during a grueling second half proving the team regrouped and came out with a strategy to win.
Samantha Flegen put up the firs point and Caitlin Lilly put up the second for the Warrior victory by a Katy Soliday assist.
“We finished the game with another win. It wasn’t very well played on our part for periods of the game but we made a couple count,” said Omar.
Winona State has had a total of five goals this season all by different players connecting scores.
“We are happy for the wins this weekend but we have some work to do,” said Omar. “We look forward to an extended stay at home for next 4 games. As well as being able to practice 4 days before our next game on sat at 12 pm versus MN Duluth.”
The Warriors are now 2-2 and will play at noon on Saturday beginning their four- game home stand.
Contact Erin at [email protected]
