JACKSONVILLE, IL – The Principia Women's Soccer team traveled north to Illinois College for their first away contest on Wednesday evening. Despite finding the back of the net for the first time this year, the game was otherwise filled with moments of misfortune for the Panthers, who fell to 0-3 on the young season.
In the 23rd minute of a scoreless game, newly crowned SLIAC Defensive Player of the Week,
Christin Walls, came out for a clearance and picked up a knock in the process. While Walls was on the ground, Illinois College passed the ball into the open net. Walls had to come out of the game for the remainder of the half, and while the Panthers were down their starting goalkeeper, the Lady Blues scored twice more. A late burst from Principia before halftime led to a few close chances but none on frame.
Walls returned for the second half, but an early penalty kick led to the Lady Blues's fourth goal. Things turned began around from there, however, as
Kaylee Kleist sent in a long shot on goal from the wing in the 54th minute that went over the goalkeeper's head to get the Panthers on the scoreboard. Principia kept the pressure on, but it was too little, too late as they couldn't find another goal.
Notable Panther performances came from
Zayana Brown and
Aylin Acosta, who were shut-down defenders in the middle of the field, while
Rachael Williams was a handful for IC defenders every time she got the ball. Knowing that this game may have gone differently if not for Walls' injury, the team is looking forward a clean slate at home again on Saturday.
Up Next: Principia will host Rockford University at 6:30 pm on Saturday, right after the men's team plays Rockford as well.
