ELSAH, IL – Future SLIAC opponent Mississippi University for Women visited Principia College for an evening kickoff on Thursday in a game that showcased end-to-end play, plenty of physicality, and one goal scored in each half.
The Panthers got off to a fast start, putting MUW under early pressure. "I am super proud of how we started the game," Coach Thomas reflected. "We knew how we wanted to play, and right from the kickoff, we looked great."
Over the course of the first half, the visiting Owls worked their way into the game and were rewarded with a goal in the 43rd minute. Both teams had chances, but MUW led 1-0 heading into halftime. The second half displayed defensive grit and organization from the Panthers as MUW struggled to get dangerous chances, settling for longer shots.
"Our whole team has bought into our defensive principles this season, and in a second half where we faced sustained pressure, we didn't let them through. It took phenomenal effort from everyone." Thomas also praised goalkeeper Renea Garza, "Renea stepped up after Leslie picked up a knock, and not only managed the game well from the back, but also made a couple crucial stops."
The Principia women worked hard on the counter, getting in behind the Owls' back line multiple times, and in the 76th minute, the Panthers struck to tie the game. Viviane de Castro sent a pretty pass from midfield down the right flank which Kannon Gill chased down. Gill then used her powerful right foot to blast the ball off the keeper and into the net.
"Kannon is such a pure striker of the ball. Every time it leaves her foot, it's knuckling and moving, which is a goalkeeper's nightmare," Thomas said of the forward. Knotted at 1-1 and buoyed by the belief of a comeback, the Panthers gained a second wind and created a flurry of chances down the final stretch of the game. However, both teams ran out of time to try to fashion a game-winner, and the final whistle went for Principia's second 1-1 tie in a row.
Coach Thomas was full of compliments for his team's hard-fought draw after the game. "Coach Benson and I are inspired by our team's commitment to each other and to our goals. There is such a togetherness in this group, and it's impossible to miss when you see our team go to battle for each other on the field. There is still plenty of growth to come, but the collective spirit within them is remarkable."
Up Next: The undefeated Panthers travel to Westminster College next Tuesday to kick off conference play at 5:00 pm.
