On Thursday, Sept. 21, the UNI women’s soccer team played host to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). The Panthers came into the game with a record of 7-1-1, trying to continue the strong start to the season. The Flames had a record of 2-4-2, and were trying to get their season on track. It was a close matchup, but the Panthers were able to pull through for the win.
Early on in the first period, things were quiet, with the only action near the goals being a couple of shots by the Flames that never made it to UNI goalkeeper Caitlin Richards. It was not until the 14:04 mark in the first period that the first shot on goal was made. The Flames got a look, but Richards was able to make the save. The rest of the period the Flames managed a few more shots on the goal, but Richards let nothing by. The Panthers never really got a good look, as at the break they only had two shots and neither of them made it to the UIC goalkeeper.
Although a rough first period for the Panthers, the game was tied at nothing at the start of the second. The Panthers attacked the goal early and often, managing four shots. Three of them were on goal, and one of them by Maddie Eastus made its way through for the score. The Panthers took a 1-0 lead at the 59:17 mark. The rest of the period was relatively quiet, as both teams played a solid defensive game. Way late in the game, with just under three minutes left, the Flames Hannah Gryzik had a chance for a goal, but Richards came up clutch for the Panthers once again, getting her fifth save of the game. That would be the last shot the flames would get, and the Panthers came away with the 1-0 victory.
The Panthers move to 8-1-1 on the season, and will play at home again on Sunday. They will be hosting Southern Illinois, and game time is 12 p.m.
