Oct. 30, 2009

Box Score

Macomb, IL- Despite Lisa Underwood's 11th goal of the season, a new school record, the IPFW women's soccer team fell in a heartbreaker to Western Illinois on Friday afternoon, 3-2.

With the defeat, the Mastodons fall to 3-5 in the Summit League, which mathematically eliminates the team from receiving a conference tournament berth. The win moves Leathernecks to 4-3-1.

In total shots, Western Illinois and IPFW made 16 attempts apiece in the contest.

The Leathernecks got off to a quick start, scoring the game's first three goals in 20 minutes of action. Down 3-0, IPFW stormed back with a pair of goals at the 28th minute mark, thanks to successful shots from Ali Okihiro and Lisa Underwood. Underwood also received the assist on the first goal, while Brittany Climmons picked up the assist on the second goal.

With two swift kicks, not only were the `Dons down only a single goal, but two feats were set in a matter of seconds.

On the first goal, playing in her 53rd career game on defense, Okihiro scored her first career goal in the Royal Blue and White. Moments later, Underwood became the IPFW women's soccer record holder for most goals in a season, now with 11. 

While the `Dons pushed to even the score in the second half, the home team held their ground the rest of the contest, finishing the game with a 3-2 victory.

IPFW goalkeeper Kristen McFadden made three saves on the evening, while Leatherneck keeper Laura Atkinson had seven saves.

The women's soccer team will conclude its 2009 regular season on Sunday, November 1, with a road game at IUPUI in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST.

~Dons~