Box Score ELSAH, ILL. – This afternoon, the Panthers hosted the Augustana Vikings and lost 3-0. As the game started it was clear that the Panthers were not their usual selves. They were unable to maintain possession of the ball, and within the first 5 minutes, the Vikings hit the ball over Principia's backline where a Viking forward dribbled to goal and scored. Not two minutes later, the Vikings hit a cross from out wide left that went into the goal giving the visiting team a 2-0 lead within the first seven minutes of the match.
The Panthers fell mentally. They began to play a defensive game, not pushing up, and taking a second too long to make decisions resulting in many turnovers. As the half neared the last 15-20 minutes, the Panthers started picking up a rhythm, connecting passes, and playing with purpose. Freshman
Emelie Fredrikson in the middle began switching the ball more, and senior
Nadine Marczi was able to incorporate the forwards and get into the attacking third herself. However, no goal came of their efforts. The half ended with a 2-0 lead for the Vikings.
In the second half the Panthers came out with a team goal to simply keep possession of the ball and they had a better showing. Highlights were sophomore
Rachel Perea, freshman
Clarice Bruch and sophomore goal keeper
Genevieve Smith, who received the team Workhorse award for her aggressive and diligent defense in the box.
The Panthers play Washington University at Wash U, next Tuesday night at  7:30 pm.
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