Indianapolis, IN- In the battle of top 25 ranked teams, the 24
th-ranked UC women's soccer team were unable to overcome 20
th-ranked Marian offense, dropping the match 2-0. With win, Marian improves to 7-0-0, while the Patriots move to 4-1-1.
Cumberlands looked to score first but Marian was able to take advantage of a UC foul early in the first half. Brittney Zendejas took a shot towards goal which was deflected by the Patriots defense and redirected towards Marian midfielder Noelle Jester, who was able to put the ball in the back of the net to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. Marian continued to control the possession game holding the Patriots to one shot, taken by
Naira Lopez, before they found the back of the net again. With 17:24 left in the first half, Erin Oleksak found Chloe Ulmer for a quick pass to shoot the ball past the UC backline. Patriots tried to find offensive momentum in the waning minutes of the first half, but the Knights' defense held strong to keep the score 2-0 at the break.
As the second half got underway, UC and Marian battled for possession, exchanging shots in the first 15 minutes. In the 62',
Amy Anderson found herself on the doorstep of the Marian goal, but was unable to control the ball and was stopped by the Knights' goalkeeper. Seven minutes later,
Shara Randez had an opportunity to convert as well, but sent her shot which ricocheted the ball off the crossbar. Cumberlands' last chance to get on the scoreboard came in the 89' as
Jenna Rockwell sent a rocket 40 yards downfield towards goal, but was stopped short by the opposing goalie.
Panis recorded a career-high eight saves on the night, but it was not enough as the Patriots conceded 0-2 to the Knights.
The Patriots return to action Friday, September 20 traveling to Wilmore, KY for a night match against Asbury University. The match is slated to begin at 7pm.
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