Box Score ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- Two early goals by a persistent Augustana College side proved to be the difference as they blanked the Panthers 2-0 tonight in Rock Island, Illinois.
A flick-on header in the 9
th minute of the game found the back of the net and had the Panthers reeling early. The bulk of the rest of the half involved both teams still fighting to control the game with the Vikings getting the lions share in possession. Their command was rewarded in the 32
nd minute when they took advantage of the defensive miscue between
Abi Carper and keeper
Jake Roometua and pounced on a loose ball before poking it in the empty net. You knew the chances were going to come, and as the Panthers pressed they were able to find some half chances with
Gustavo Batista's effort the closest. His missed effort in the box midway through the half went agonizingly wide with a bundled touch.
The second half was markedly different with the Panthers asserting themselves in the proceedings with good ball movement and a better command of the game. Opportunities were plentiful with the exception of sublime final touches. The second half surely belonged to the Panthers and
McGuire Semnacher's service to an unmarked
Richard Bonsi in the box deserved better contact as his header sailed high and wide. McGuire's effort at the top right corner of the box following a foul was also turned away by the Vikings' custodian. The Panthers' pressure failed to produce much but showed the type of character they will need to right the ship as the score remained 2-0 when the final whistle blew. Commendable performances came from freshman Ben Stolfa,sophomore
Christian Thomas and Juniors Semnacher, Carper and
John Gotwals. The Panthers will surely rue their missed opportunities but more importantly know their turn is within sight as they welcome Illinois Wesleyan this coming Saturday at 1pm.
