For the third weekend in a row Lawrence women’s soccer was without a win. Coming off a tough schedule the last two weeks Lawrence hoped to come out of this past weekend with a few wins, as they faced seemingly weaker opponents. Instead Lawrence experienced two devastating losses launching them further out of contention for a spot in MWC playoff action.
Saturdays MWC game was important for Lawrence’s record and chances to gain an advantage on the bottom half of the conference. The game was one of the toughest losses this year for the Vikings visiting the Scots of Monmouth. Lawrence seemed flat-footed in the game falling behind 1-0 after only 8 minutes of play. It didn’t take long until MWC performer of the week Danielle Gordon netted her first of two goals she had in the game. The junior midfielder for the Scots was key in her team’s success against the Vikings. Lawrence struggled controlling the ball and winning battles in the air, this is the area where Gordon was dominant.
The scoring in the first half did not stop there. In the 27th minute sophomore forward Lauren Kellen, who also had two goals in the game, scored her first of the match on a nice header after a good delivery from senior forward Ashley Reynoso.
The Vikings went into halftime down 3-0 and came out in the second facing an even tougher bombardment of offense from the great Scots. In the 51st minute they scored their first on a rebound, followed by Gordon’s second of the game in the 55th minute. They then finished the Vikings of with their final goal in the 60th minute. Monmouth’s three goals were only nine minutes apart and only 15 minutes into the second half turning the rest of the game into something that looked more like a pre-season exhibition match.
Lawrence University played a non conference match on Sunday against North Central College (Ill.). After Saturday’s loss, the Vikings looked hungry in this game. Dominant early in the half, Lawrence capitalized through freshman Kirstin Edwards on a pass from sophomore Keli Muchowski at the 11:50 mark, breaking the team’s scoreless streak lasting 192 minutes of play. But their joy was short lived when the Cardinals scored just seven minutes after with a goal from freshman defender Katrina McNeela. North Central slowly took over the game after tying it up as Lawrence’s confidence deflated. Then right before halftime in the 44th minute, McNeela netted once again on a nice struck corner from sophomore midfielder Victoria Dunn. Lawrence was never able to come back in the game losing their fifth straight as North Central scored two more in the second half for a final score of 4-1.
Lawrence next home game will be Sunday the 14th against Edgewood College Eagles 7-1 (11-2), 3:30 pm at Whiting Field West.