ST. LOUIS, MO – During an evening where the deluge of cold rain drenched both Panthers and Griffins alike, the Principia Women's Soccer team hit one target they'd set for themselves: score on Fontbonne. And in the 67th minute,
Kannon Gill stepped up and did just that.
Gill's penalty kick goal ended Fontbonne's SLIAC record of 1,141 consecutive minutes without being scored on in a conference game. While the game didn't go the way of the Panthers, the fight they displayed on the road in the stormy weather was noteworthy.
In the first half, the Panthers were playing against the wind and rain and the box score reflected that disadvantage. Finding it hard to get out of their own half, Principia allowed 13 shots (7 on goal) and were unable to tally one of their own. Down 2-0 at the break, the team tried their best to warm up and dry off in the locker room.
While the weather didn't warm up, Principia did. Only allowing five shots in the second half and tallying three of their own, the Panthers slowly began applying pressure to the hosts. Fontbonne was able to get a couple more goals, but in the 67th minute,
Kaija Ufert was brought down inside the Griffins box. As noted above, Gill stepped up and smashed home her penalty as Principia became the first SLIAC team to score on Fontbonne in 18 games.
The 5-1 loss sends Principia into the final game of the regular season. The Panthers must win or draw on the road at Eureka in order to earn a spot in the SLIAC Tournament.
Up Next: The Panthers travel to Eureka for a 1:00 pm Saturday kickoff.
