Costly penalty cause Scots to fall to Illinois College in heartbreaker
Seamus O'Sullivan - Contributing Writer
Coming off a huge 2-0 win against conference rival Cornell College, the Monmouth College women’s soccer team looked to continue their success at home, Peacock Memorial Athletic Park, against the Illinois College Lady Blues.
Both teams came out firing in the first ten minutes of the opening half. “That’s probably some of the best soccer I have seen us play all season,” said senior goalkeeper Anna Caster. The Lady Blues struck first in the seventh minute with a goal from forward Aliza Rodriguez. Not letting that deter them, the Scots marched right down the field. Less than a minute later, sophomore forward Danielle Beach found freshman midfielder Jaden Stockton on a breakaway. Stockton would not be denied; she delivered a point-blank strike past the Lady Blues’ keeper Stella Gonzalez, equalizing the game at a goal apiece.
No goals would be scored during the rest of the first half with many chances, most notably a strike outside of the box from the right foot of Lady Blues’ midfielder Abbi Renwick. The shot clattered off the right woodwork.
During the second half, the Scots were able to get the ball into the final third to sophomore defender Allison Griffin, but Griffin fired directly into Gonzalez’s face. Gonzalez made a crucial save but was knocked out of the game.
She was replaced by Sophia Kriegesmann, who made her mark immediately upon entering the game. Not but three minutes after entering the game, Beach was through on goal but was denied by a diving save by Kriegesmann.
Things settled down until the 60th minute when Scots midfielder Taylor Freeman gave up a needless penalty that was perhaps harsh and should’ve been a no-call. Caster was not able to stop the penalty kick, as Lady Blues forward Haley Sommer rolled in a shot beating Caster to her right that was ultimately the game’s winner.
The final half hour of the game brought a sense of urgency, but the Scots couldn’t capitalize on any opportunities and the game ended with Illinois College on top 2-1.
The Scots head to the home pitch on Saturday at 1:30 to face Ripon.
