In need of a win to make the MVC tournament, the Panther women’s soccer team took on Evansville in the final home game of the season, falling short 1-0.  Coming into the match, head coach Bruce Erikson noted the stakes at hand.    

“It is a big weekend coming up with our two opponents [Evansville and Valparaiso],” Erickson said. “We are all in the same boat where winning is paramount to getting into the conference tournament.”

The Panthers and the Aces went back and forth throughout the first half, trading shot after shot, but strong play by both goalies kept a shutout on both sides.

The Panthers kept it close throughout most of the second half, but in the 83rd minute, midfielder Amanda Disilva snuck a shot past the Panther defense for the deciding goal.

The Purple and Gold drop to 5-10 overall for seventh place in the conference standings, which is currently one win short of making the conference tournament starting Sunday, Nov. 3.

Up next, the Panthers will close out the season at Valparaiso in a Halloween night showdown on Thursday, Oct. 31.

The matchup against the Crusaders is a must win for the Panthers’ chances at the tourney and UNI will also need help from Indiana State.

If the Panthers win, and Indiana State ties or loses, the Purple and Gold will clinch the final seed in the tournament.