The UNI women’s soccer team showcased their resilience and determination in a thrilling 3-2 victory over St. Ambrose at the UNI Soccer Field in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Despite falling behind late in the match, goals by Olivia Knoepfle and Macy Smith in the final six minutes secured the narrow win for the Panthers. The victory marked the team’s 12th consecutive win, highlighting their dominance in the early part of the season.
The Panthers dominated possession and outshot the Fighting Bees by a significant margin, but struggled to convert their chances into goals early on. St. Ambrose took the lead in the 25th minute with a goal by Lauren Malone, putting UNI on the back foot. However, Marissa Gross quickly equalized for the Panthers just two minutes into the second half, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Despite the Bees regaining the lead in the 77th minute, UNI refused to back down. Knoepfle’s equalizer in the 84th minute, assisted by Maddie Eastus, injected new life into the team. Smith then sealed the victory with a stunning long-range effort over the goalkeeper’s head in the 87th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Head coach Bruce Erickson commended St. Ambrose for their tenacity and acknowledged the need for improvement despite the win. The Panthers‘ ability to dig deep and find a way to win showcased their character and determination to succeed.
In addition to the thrilling victory, several noteworthy milestones were achieved during the match. Lauren Heinsch surpassed 200 career shot attempts and 100 career shots on goal, becoming the first player in Panther history to reach both milestones. Marissa Gross and Morgan Barnette also notched career milestones with their goal and assist, respectively.
Olivia Knoepfle’s goal tied her for the team lead early in the season and marked her tenth career goal, solidifying her place in UNI history. Maddie Eastus climbed the ranks in team history with her eighth career assist on Knoepfle’s goal, showcasing her playmaking abilities.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will aim to continue their winning streak as they prepare to face the Upper Iowa Peacocks on Senior Day. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ and follow the team on social media for the latest updates and news throughout the season.
In conclusion, UNI’s dramatic victory over St. Ambrose exemplified the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. With key players stepping up in crucial moments, the Panthers showcased their potential for a successful season ahead. As they continue to build on their early success, the team’s determination and unity will be crucial in achieving their goals.