Purdue Fort Wayne
Eastern Illinois (Exhibition)
Panthers Down Mastodons in Final Exhibition Match
8/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 17, 2009
Charleston, IL- The IPFW women's soccer team played its final tune up game Monday evening against Eastern Illinois in Charleston, Illinois. Despite six saves from IPFW goalkeeper Kristen McFadden, the Panthers put on the pressure all game long, defeating the Mastodons 3-0.
Eastern Illinois got off to a quick start on offense by taking the game's first ten shots. It was on the ninth shot of the first half when Panther Ashley Streid made the score 1-0 after firing a bullet into the right side of the goal. It wasn't until the 23rd minute, when freshman Danielle Bishop took IPFW's first shot of the game, which resulted in a Panther defensive team block. The two teams traded possessions until the first half horn sounded, with Eastern Illinois leading IPFW 1-0.
Unfortunately for the `Dons, lady luck continued to favor the home team in the second half, as the Panthers turned up the heat on both sides of the ball for the remainder of the game.
In the 54th minute, the Mastodons were called for a handball in the 18 yard box, giving the Panthers a penalty shot. Rachel Hamilton of Eastern Illinois nailed in the free kick, making the score 2-0. Nine minutes later, the `Dons were called again for a handball in the penalty area. Panther Kaitlin Sullivan took the free shot this time around, and connected, putting Eastern Illinois up 3-0 with 27 minutes left in the contest.
The Mastodons outshot the Panthers 4-2 from this point on, but Eastern Illinois played solid defense until the final horn sounded.
IPFW managed six shots and one shot on goal in the exhibition contest. Eastern Illinois had 22 shots on the evening.
The Mastodons received two shots from Kateri Till, and one a piece from Bishop, Brittany Climmons, Melanie Esposito, and Arianne Mason. McFadden (six saves) and Brittany Marx (five saves) each played a half in the contest, and both made many diving saves throughout the game.
With the preseason now over, the women's soccer team will open the 2009 regular season at home against non-conference opponent Central Michigan this Saturday at the Hefner Soccer Complex. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
~Dons~
