ELSAH, IL – The Principia women's soccer team suffered a 2-1 loss at home to the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy on Tuesday evening. Despite taking an early lead with their first goal of the season, the Panthers were unable to hold off a second half comeback from the visitors.
In the 26th minute, Principia got on the board through a brilliant team effort. Zoe Houseman sent a perfectly placed corner kick into the box, where Makayla Kurtz met it with a crouching header. Kurtz directed the ball toward Kaylee Kleist, who finished with a clever backward flick past the UHSP goalkeeper to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead.
UHSP played a strong second half as they leveled the match in the 49th minute and found the game-winning goal in the 79th minute to complete the comeback. Despite the loss, the Panthers showed promise with their early attacking play and will look to build on this performance as they seek their first win of the season. Principia goalkeeper Leslie Barrera played well in her first start of the season, finishing with 7 saves.
Besides a scrimmage at Lewis & Clark CC this Saturday at 11:00 am, the Panthers will have ten days to prepare for their next real match the following Saturday, September 21 at Millikin. The team is dealing with a number of injuries, so they will happily take the extra time to get healthy.
