Last Saturday, March 13, the UNI women’s soccer team played host to their conference opponents Missouri State at Memorial Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Both teams came into the contest with their share of struggles so far on the season, with the Panthers coming in winless at a record of 0-2-2 and 0-2-1 in Missouri Valley Conference play, with both losses decided by one goal each. The visiting Bears came into the game with a record of 1-4-2 and 0-1-1 in conference play thus far. Both teams were looking to earn their first conference victory in the spring season.

After missing their first three shots on goal, the Panthers broke the scoreless tie off of a goal from junior defender Sandra Thiman in the 16th minute, giving UNI the 1-0 lead. The UNI defense held throughout the remainder of the game, handing the Panther women their first victory of the season

A strong defensive effort in this game proved to be the key for UNI, as has been the case for most of the season so far. They had only allowed two goals in the first four games played this season, and the trend continued on Saturday as another stout defensive game held the visiting Missouri State scoreless.

Offensively, the Panthers were in control for most of the game. They took 16 total shots with eight being on goal, as opposed to Missouri State’s three total shots, all of which were on goal also. UNI also maintained possession of the ball for most of the game, which was a crucial factor in deciding the flow of the game.

UNI will be on the road for their next two games. Next up, they will face Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Ill. on Sunday, March 21 and will play Illinois State in Normal, Ill. on Thursday, March 25. Their next home game will be on Sunday, March 28 against Valparaiso at Memorial Stadium in Waterloo, IA.