Sat, Oct. 14 the women’s soccer team took on Clarke College in a physical, injury-plagued match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
The score does not reflect the energy exerted by the Lawrence squad, even on a dismally cold day. It was the first draw of the season for the Vikings.
In the first half, Lawrence asserted its dominance in terms of possession. Elizabeth Melzer and Alison Blegen were well involved in the ball movement through midfield, and early in the game Jackie Bean found a good opportunity to score from a Blegen pass.
Ashlee Moore had set the play up for success with an incredible through pass to Blegen. Bean blew past the last defender once she acquired the ball but missed the shot.
Senior midfielder Beth Shaker became active in the first half, not only by speeding down the left side with the ball but also by pressuring defenders that possessed the ball.
However, she temporarily left the game after being struck by either the ball or a player, which gave her what appeared to be a bloody nose. It would be one of the first of many injuries.
Unfortunately for the Vikings, Clarke scored when Melissa Mennig tapped in a penalty kick that LU keeper Candice Gangl couldn’t quite stop in the 14th minute. No more goals were scored by either team for the remainder of the half.
In the second half, Lawrence tightened their grip on the ball even more, and the reward was a series of opportunities to score.
Ashlee Moore relentlessly made smart passes and moved quickly all over the field, unfettered by defenders. And time and time again, sophomore sweeper Amanda Follett brilliantly set up her teammates with chances to score from swerving, bending and deadly accurate indirect free kicks.
Though Follett deserved at least two or three assists, Lawrence strikers could not capitalize.
However, Blegen recorded a set-piece assist when Amelia Lerch netted her corner kick with one touch, tying the game at one goal apiece.
The second half wore on seemingly in slow motion, as players from both teams began to feel the effects of the numbing cold weather. Injuries mounted up, and more than three times the LU trainer made an appearance on the field.
Most devastating for Lawrence was the loss of wingback Nicolette Riggins, who tore her ACL and left the field on the cart.
An overtime period came and went, but neither team could find a way to score.
Lawrence’s record is now 3-8-1 overall. Next up for the Vikes is a short trip to De Pere to face off against St. Norbert on Saturday.
Women tie Clarke
