EVANSVILLE, IND. - Kaitlin Oldfield's goal in the 88th minute (87:15) spoiled
the 2009 Missouri Valley Conference debut for the Drake women's soccer team as
Evansville netted a 2-1 triumph over the Bulldogs on Sunday (Sept. 27).
The loss was only the second in school history for Drake in
its road conference opener and dropped the team to 4-4-3 overall, including 1-0
in MVC play, while Evansville secured its first victory over the Bulldogs in
eight matches and moved to 3-6-0 overall and 1-0 in league competition.
The late tally spoiled an afternoon where Drake outshot the
Purple Aces, 17-14, including 11-7 in the second half.
"Our penalty kick goal was against the run of play as Evansville controlled
most of the first half," Bulldog head coach Lindsey Horner commented. "We were dangerous in the second half
as we had the momentum. The
difference between the two teams was that they capitalized on their chances and
we did not. It stings to be in
their box that often and not make their goalkeeper make saves."
Kristen Davis placed Evansville on the scoreboard first
connecting on a strike from the right side toward the far post to beat
sophomore goalkeeper Kourtney Arnold (Norwalk, Iowa/Norwalk) for a 1-0 advantage. Oldfield earned the assist on the
tally.
The Bulldogs appeared headed into the intermission trailing
1-0 before the Purple Aces were whistled for a trip in the box with five second
remaining in the first half.
Senior Elizabeth Woerle (Coon Rapids, Minn./Meadow Creek) converted on the penalty
kick to record her team-leading fifth goal of the season at the 44:55 mark.
Drake dictated the momentum in the second half but was
unable to capitalize before Oldfield's heroics.
Senior Crystal Townley (Colorado Springs, Colo./Palmer) led all players
with six shots, including two on goal, while Woerle and freshman Laura Moklestad (Des
Moines, Iowa/Roosevelt) contributed three and two shots, respectively. Davis sparked Evansville with five
shots.
Theresa Bagby recoded four saves for the Purples Aces, while
Arnold registered two saves for Drake.
The Bulldogs return home to face in-state rival Iowa on
Wednesday evening (Sept. 30) at the Cownie Soccer Complex. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
