CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Drake University women's soccer team ended its day with a 1-1 draw against in-state rival UNI on Thursday, Oct. 6. Drake's second half adjustments earned them their fifth draw of the season. The Bulldogs' record now stands at 2-6-5 (1-1-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference) while UNI will go to 4-5-4 (1-2-3).
"We were a different team in the second half," head coach
Lindsey Horner said. "We created some exciting moments, but didn't get enough of those chances on goal."
The first half showed the intensity of both squads' defensive pressure with the Bulldogs getting off one shot and the Panthers firing off three. Freshman
Kendall Starcevich had Drake's lone shot in the 42nd minute. The shot was saved by Panther goalie Caitlin Richards in the lower left side of the goal. This marked Starcevich's sixth shot of the season.
Both teams were held scoreless at the end of the first half.
In the second half, both offenses displayed their talents. Drake and UNI combined for five shots in the first eight minutes. The first goal of the day came in the 58th minute after Drake senior
Meghan Brown scored in the upper left corner of the goal. Brown was assisted by redshirt freshman
Madelyn Smith. This was Brown's second goal of the season and marked back-to-back games where she had scored. Smith recorded her second assist of the year and ranks second on the team.
Drake's defense combated all of the Panthers attacks until Sophia Meier punched in a Panther goal in the 66th minute. Meier was assisted by Lauren Heinsch. Meier owns two goals on the year, while Heinsch tallied on her second assist this season.
The second half saw the two rivals combine for 22 shots and seven saves.
"As always we will take a point on the road and get ready for UIC," Horner said.
Drake will be back home to battle the Flames on Sunday, Oct. 9 with kickoff set at 1 p.m.
NOTES
- Meghan Brown scored her second collegiate goal in 59 games. She now holds a two-game scoring streak.
- Drake's all-time series record against the Panthers is 13-5-5.
- UNI has not defeated Drake since April of 2021.
