ELSAH, IL – The Principia women's soccer team took on University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) in their home opener on Tuesday evening. Despite a history of program success against UHSP, the Panthers knew they had their work cut out for them going up against the Eutectics strong offensive attack.
Early on, the defense was on full display for the Panthers with a big game from sophomore
Makayla Kurtz on the defensive end. Her physical defensive play coupled with the work done by senior
Christin Walls in the goal helped keep Principia in the game and the score board empty for the majority of the first half. UHSP did break through with two goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half to take a 2-0 lead.
The Panthers came out in the second half with a renewed energy and plan of attack against the UHSP defense. Opportunities became more available, and eventually senior
Kiara Smith scored a beautiful goal in the 74th minute running through the UHSP defense and slotting the ball past the keeper. The goal marks Smith's first goal of the season and first of her Principia career.
Principia continued pushing over the final 15 minutes but was unable to get an equalizer with the game ending in a 2-1 defeat. The Panther defense delivered a clean second half despite the loss.
The women will be back in action against Hannibal-LaGrange University on September 16th at home as they look to get back in the win column.
