ELSAH, IL – The Principia women's soccer team recorded their first-ever result against Illinois College on Tuesday, a 1-1 tie at home.
Entering the game with a historical 0-4 record vs Illinois College, the Panthers were prepared for a tough game. Their expectations were met as the game was evenly contested through the first half, and despite chances created for both teams, the score remained knotted at 0-0 by the end of the first 45 minutes.
The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when, off of a Kannon Gill throw-in, Viviane de Castro spun her man, cut across the top of the box, and fired home a shot out of the reach of the Lady Blues goalkeeper. "Viviane has been a threat in scoring positions in both games this season and she proved it once again tonight," said Coach Thomas.
Principia held onto the lead for 20 minutes with some big saves by Panthers goalkeeper Leslie Barrera, but with 5 minutes left to play, Illinois College struck. A shot was saved by Barrera, and the ensuing rebound went off the post and was tapped in by the Lady Blues. "It was a frustrating way to let the lead we worked so hard for go, but Illinois College had us under pressure leading up to that chance. It was a great initial save by Leslie, but not much our defense could do once it came off the post and right to their feet," Thomas said of the goal.
"We're not content with a tie in that game," said Thomas, "but objectively, it is a good result against an opponent which we've never beaten. I think it is a fair result for the night, but we're looking forward to getting back on the field to take on our next challenge."
Up Next: The Panthers host future conference foe Mississippi University for Women on Thursday at 6:00 pm.
