The Drake University women's soccer team topped SIU, 1-0, in Carbondale Saturday evening.

SIU (0-11-1) maintained posession for half of the match and opened the match with a shot that went wide. 


"This was a really good first half performance by our team. We had the majority of the possession during the game and saw a lot of our themes from the week come out in patterns from the back and combination play out wide," said head coach Lindsey Horner. "The goal was a terrific ball in from Libby and a good battle from Emma to put it away." 
 
Senior Libby Helverson passed to sophomore Emma Nagel who scored to put the Bulldogs up 1-0. Nagel's goal was her fourth this season. 
 
Horner said, "We had the chance to get the second goal but never did capitalize and in the second half SIU started to counter with more numbers and pace which made it a closer game than we would have liked, but ultimately we protected the shutout and that was an objective of ours tonight. "
Senior Alison Walls led the Bulldogs with two shots and two on goal.
 
Fifth year keeper Kelsie Stone tallied three saves in the match, after facing 11 shots. She also set the school record for most career shut-outs with 21. 

Horner said, "We are really pleased for Kelsie to take over as the sole career shutouts leader.  She's worked so hard to get better throughout her career, and taken more of a vocal and leadership role within our team." 

The Saluki's out-shot the Bulldogs 11-7, but Drake received six corner kicks compared to SIU's one.
 
SIU was led by Georgina Franco and McKensey Bunch who combined for four shots, two on goal in the match.
 
"Tonight was the start of an important but exciting week with Wednesday and Sunday coming very fast so our recovery, preparation, and focus has to be at a high level," said Horner.

The Bulldogs return to Des Moines to take on Valpo on Wednesday Oct. 13. Drake will wear pink to Kick Cancer and kickoff is set for 7 p.m.