Second-Half Goals Move Mastodons Past Leathernecks, 4-3

Sunday, October 30

Macomb, Ill.

1 p.m.

Purdue Fort Wayne

7-9-1, 4-4-1

Western Illinois

7-12, 1-8

IPFW

Western Illinois

Second-Half Goals Move Mastodons Past Leathernecks, 4-3

10/30/2011 4:05:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Box Score

MACOMB, Ill. - Three second-half goals led the IPFW women's soccer team to a 4-3 win over Western Illinois to close out the season with their second victory of the weekend on Sunday afternoon in Macomb, Ill.

The Mastodons finish the season 8-9-1 overall and 4-4-1 in Summit League play. The Leathernecks fall to 8-12-0 and 1-8-0 in conference action.

The Leathernecks got the early lead on the Mastodons when they scored two goals in the first 17 minutes of the match.

In the eighth minute off of a corner kick from Nora Potempa, Amber Davis' header found the back of the net for the early 1-0 Leatherneck lead.

Almost 10 minutes later in another Potempa corner kick, WIU made its mark on the board again. WIth the clock just shy of the 18th minute, Potempa's corner kick bent in far side of the goal to give WIU the 2-0 advantage of the Mastodons.

With many scoring opportunities early on, the Mastodons were able to get within one of the Leathernecks when junior Lisa Underwood scored off of a penalty kick in the 19th minute.

Underwood's sixth goal of the season moves her to 23 career goals, which is just inches away from tying the school record of 25.

In the 30th minute, the Leathernecks had the final goal of the first half. WIU's Sarah Hall had a header off of a cross from Chrissy Campbell to increase their lead to 3-1.

Despite giving up three goals in the first half to the Leathernecks, the 'Dons knew the match was far from over.

The Mastodons came out firing in the second half against the Leathernecks and continued to pepper the goal while stopping WIU from getting on the board again.

The Mastodons struck early in the second half when senior Lauren McCracken had her first goal of the season in the 47th minute. In another penalty kick, McCracken was able to put IPFW within reach of WIU, 3-2.

Two minutes after McCracken's goal, senior Tara O'Toole had IPFW's equalizer in the 49th minute. Junior Danielle Bishop had a cross to O'Toole, who then had a shot from five yards out for the 3-3 tie.

Looking to keep the pressure on, the Mastodons continued their offensive outburst with five shots in seven minutes.

In the 58th minute, O'Toole struck again with her second goal of the match and sixth goal of the season. O'Toole received the ball from senior Brittany Climmons and then had a fast-break shot to the far post to have the Mastodons first lead over the Leathernecks, 4-3.

Not only did O'Toole record two goals against WIU, but she also had a pair of goals on Friday against IUPUI.

The Mastodons outshot the Leathernecks 29-10 and led in shots on goal, 14-7. IPFW also had the corner kick advantage over WIU, 7-5. The Leathernecks led in fouls, 12-11. WIU recorded one yellow and red card while IPFW had one red card.

Bishop recorded a high of seven shots for the Mastodons, including two on goal. Junior Arianne Mason had four shots with three on goal while O'Toole had four shots with two on goal.

With the conclusion of the season, the 'Dons finish with their best overall record, surpassing the previous record of 7-9-1 in 2010 and tie their best finish in conference action with the 2010 season.

~Dons~