(GREEN BAY ATHLETICS) MACOMB, ILL – For the first time in Green Bay women’s soccer history, the Phoenix hasn’t lost a match through its first six games. On Sunday afternoon, Green Bay improved its record to 4-0-2 thanks to a 1-0 win over Western Illinois. Ava Nielsen scored her first collegiate goal in the 52nd minute, which proved to be the winner for GB.
“As I’ve said before, Sunday games are very hard,” said head coach Matt Kagan. “We didn’t play our best in the first half, and it set up a dogfight in the second half, but we settled in and controlled the match, which was good to see. Two freshmen combined for the goal, and I thought our bench really lifted us in this match!”
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams battled in the first half, with the Phoenix spending a little more time on the ball, outshooting the Leathernecks in the first half, 9-3. Despite looks on both sides, neither team found the back of the net.
Green Bay controlled even more of the game in the second half and took an early lead just under seven minutes into the start of the half. Defender Jess Howard found a darting Claire Paschke up the left side, who then played a pullback pass to Ava Nielsen. Nielsen received the ball in stride and shot it over the top of the Western Illinois keeper for the 1-0 lead. The Phoenix continued to be the aggressors in the second half, outshooting the hosts 13-0 in the final 45 minutes.
GAME NOTES
• Claire Paschke’s assist is the first of her collegiate career. Howard was also credited with an assist.
• GB outshot WIU 22-3, including 13-1 in shots on goal.
• Ryann Hafenbrak led the Phoenix with four shots on the day, two on goal.
• Anna Scott made one save en route to the team’s fourth shutout of the season.
• The Phoenix offense forced 12 saves from the Western Illinois keeper.
COMING UP
The Phoenix will have one more on the road next week before returning to Aldo Santaga Stadium. GB will travel to Indiana State to take on the Sycamores at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Comments