JOLIET, Ill. -- Mount Mercy University (Iowa) started its season with offensive dominance on Tuesday night when the University of St. Francis women's soccer team became their first shutout victim in a 2-0 defeat to the Mustangs. The Fighting Saints (2-2-0) were out-shot 24-11 on the day, with 13 MMU attempts being on-goal.
First Half
The only goal Mount Mercy (1-0-0) needed was the one that came with just 1:03 left in the first half by Addie Lange, whose shot sailed above the outstretched arms of USF keeper
Giselle Mata after an ill-timed foul just outside the top-center of the penalty box gave the visiting senior a favorable look at the goal. St. Francis could not find its offensive footing throughout the duration of the half, taking just three shots of its own in the opening 45 minutes, compared to MMU's 14, but each attempt would come up empty in its effort to tie the score before the halftime break.
Second Half
The Saints picked up their offensive attack in the second half, nearly tripling their shot attempts in the closing 45 minutes, with a total of eight in the period. After back-to-back saves from Mata followed by a clutch defensive save from
Jasmin Valles in the 54th minute to keep the deficient at just one score, the Saints looked to tie the game in the 56th minute with a shot off the foot of junior forward
Carisma Rosales. That resulted in a miraculous save for the MMU keeper who, after reaching to block the shot, was able to keep the rebound from rolling across the goal line. Mount Mercy's offense attempted 10 shots in the second half and connected one more time in the 76th minute to double its goal count in producing the 2-0 final score.
Despite letting two goals get by, Mata accrued an impressive 10 saves in the match, her second highest match total thus far this season.
Next Match
The Saints will be back on the road as they travel back to Indiana next Saturday to face Goshen College. The match begins at 1:30 pm CST.
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