The women’s soccer team has fallen into a slump lately as they have struggled to get back to their winning ways, dropping three games in a row.

The Panthers took a road trip to Macomb, Illinois for a matchup with Western Illinois on Monday, Sept. 23, ending in a tight 3-2 win for the Leathernecks. 

Western Illinois came out strong against the Panthers, taking just 15 minutes to find the back of the net. The Leathernecks were able to grab one more goal before halftime for a 2-0 lead.

In the second half, WIU put their third goal on the board, giving them a big advantage over the Panthers. The Purple and Gold fought back and scored in the 78th and 84th minute, but were unable to get a third goal to tie things up.

Following the one game trip, the Panthers made their way back to Cedar Falls to host Illinois State for the first conference matchup of the season on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Coming into the matchup, head coach Bruce Erickson knew the challenge that was ahead.

“Illinois State was certainly as good as advertised,” Erickson said.  “They’ve got the best player in our league by a landslide.  I think she’s in the top five in the nation for goals scored.”

The Redbirds took just three minutes to score their first goal against the Panthers. In the next ten minutes, the Panthers allowed two more goals to Illinois State to fall to a quick 3-0 deficit. The second half saw UNI allow two more goals. The Panthers couldn’t get on the board as they fell 5-0.

Another conference game loomed with a shot at redemption as the Panthers traveled to Chicago to face Loyola on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The first half was quiet with no goals scored on either side, but the action picked up in the second half.  The Ramblers’ offense stepped up their game with three goals in 10 minutes, taking the 3-0 win over UNI.

Up next, Indiana State comes to town on Saturday, Oct. 12 for a 1 p.m. matinee matchup.