LOUISVILLE, KY – The Principia Women's Soccer team hit the road on Tuesday, headed for Louisville to play Spalding University. The Golden Eagles are the team just ahead of the Panthers in the conference standings, so this was sure to be a tightly contested match with playoff seeding up for grabs.
The drama kicked off ten minutes into the game when a ball the Panthers deemed to be out of bounds was passed to the Principia goalkeeper for a goal kick. A Spalding player ran past the Principia defenders and kicked it in the goal, causing the referees to discuss the play. The goal was given, and the Panthers were down 1-0 early.
The Panthers kept from being discouraged by the early deficit due to a controversial call as they fought hard the rest of the half to hold the home team from extending their lead. Even when a red card was not given for an unsportsmanlike kick by the opponent near the end of the half, the Panthers were determined to come back.
In the second half, the Panthers upped the offensive pressure, attacking the Spalding end with ferocity. Their efforts bore fruit in the 66th minute as a Kaylee Kleist rocket was drilled into the top corner of the net, knotting the game at one.
Unfortunately, two goals from the home side in the 72nd and 88th minutes would sink the Panthers 3-1, who battled hard all game in an environment that seemed to resist their efforts.
Up Next: Principia returns home on Saturday at 1:00 pm for their final home game of the season against Webster University.
