CHICAGO – The Drake University women's soccer team scored four goals in the first half to blank UIC, 4-0, Friday, Aug. 26. Senior Kayla Armstrong (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) led Drake (2-0) with two goals while sophomore Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.) and redshirt senior Alex Freeman (Duluth, Minn.) each had one goal.
 
Armstrong recorded the first goal off an assist from junior Hannah Wilder (Wheatfield, Ill.) in the 18^th minute (18:58) followed by Brand's goal off an assist from junior Rachel Wanninger (Johnston, Iowa) in the 27^th minute (27:21).
 
Armstrong wasted little time putting Drake up 3-0 as her second goal came just minutes after Brand's in the 29^th minute (29:47). Freeman, who scored the game winning goal in the Bulldogs' 1-0 season opening win over North Dakota State last Friday, punched in the final score as the rout was on. Brand and senior Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill.) had the final assists for Drake.
 
"We started the game very well and were sharp in the first half," said head coach Lindsey Horner. "We took care of the ball and made good decisions in the middle third of the field in the first forty minutes. A lot of players were able to play tonight and we demonstrated resolve as UIC (0-1-2) pressed to try to get one back. There are a lot of positives we can take away from this game, but also some details we need to address prior to Sunday. Overall a great outing and a shutout we will build from."
 
Senior Brooke Dennis (Wauconda, Ill.) played the entire match in goal for Drake and finished with one save. The Bulldogs' defense limited the Flames to just two shots, including one on goal. 22 Bulldogs played in the match.
 
Drake plays at Wisconsin Sunday at 1 p.m. The Bulldogs open their home slate at Cownie Soccer Complex on Sept. 2 against South Dakota.