CLAYTON, MO – On Saturday afternoon, the Principia Women's Soccer team took on the high-powered Fontbonne University Griffins. As has been become normal this season, the Panthers stifled another dangerous attacking team and kept them off the scoreboard for the majority of the game.
A brash challenge on the edge of the box on a Fontbonne player gave away a penalty to the home side in the 60th minute, which was converted to put the Panthers behind 1-0. This was the fourth penalty the Principia defense has conceded this year. Three minutes later, a through-ball split the previously stalwart Panther defense and the finish by the Griffins forward gave Fontbonne a 2-0 lead, which would end up being the final score.
Coach Thomas said afterwards: "Our back line and midfield worked incredibly hard and were able to frustrate a strong opponent despite being a bit banged up right now. I thought we executed very well in our defensive organization. Fontbonne didn't have an answer for us in the first half, and with the exception of a three-minute spell in the second half, we showed incredible defensive resolve and awareness. We showed that we can be exceptionally prepared and structured, and that's something we'll be taking with confidence into future games."
Up Next: The Panthers will head all the way down to Mississippi for a game against new conference opponent MUW on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
