GREENVILLE, IL – The Principia Women's Soccer team traveled to Greenville University for the first round of the SLIAC Tournament on Tuesday but came up short against a stong opponent. The sixth seeded Panthers fell to the third seeded home Greenville side in Principia's final game of the 2022 season.
In a very back-and-forth first half, Principia was not as deadly in finishing chances as their opposing Panther counterparts. Seven minutes into the game, a
Kannon Gill free kick rattled the crossbar, sending warning signs through the home team's defense. One minute later, however, Greenville found their way through the Principia defense. One goal snowballed into two, as Principia let another goal in just over a minute later. Principia did not sit back, though, and created several chances before the intermission.
Viviane de Castro had a pair of breakaway chances and was narrowly thwarted in her efforts.
The hosts got off to a fast start in the second half, scoring twice early. As Principia pushed for goals to get themselves back in the game, the open spaces presented opportunities for the Greenville attackers to exploit. Another pair of goals would go in for the home side, including a penalty kick, as the game came to a close at 6-0. Greenville advanced in the SLIAC semifinals as Principia bows out.
As Coach Thomas reflects on his first season at the helm of the Panthers, he wanted to express his gratitude to the team for their belief, efforts, and togetherness this season. "This has been a difficult season in transition with ups and downs, but through it all, the chemistry shown by this team has been unparalleled. The joy our group is able to find and create each day, regardless of circumstance, brings an enjoyment to every minute spent together."
"We have taken significant steps in progressing our on-field identity towards matching the level our off-field identity displays in culture, academics, and community. I would especially like to express my appreciation for Viviane, Kaija, and Heather, who played their final games as Principia Soccer players with us this season. Their experience and leadership, both vocally and by example, were very valuable for our team which was made up of many new faces. I'd also like to thank Dr.
Galen Benson for his contributions to our team in his first year assisting us. His steady presence and guidance were attributes that our team leaned on with regularity, and we're so grateful he joined us this campaign! We are very proud of this team for their efforts this season and know that there are great things to come for those returning with us next season!"
