Grinnell Rallies in Second Half to Defeat Mt. Mercy, 2-1

In a thrilling women’s soccer match on September 6, 2024, Grinnell College secured a 2-1 victory over Mt. Mercy in front of a modest crowd of 63 at Grinnell’s home ground. The game was a tale of two halves, with all the action and goals coming in the final 45 minutes.

Mt. Mercy (0-2-1) struck first in the 58th minute when Brielle Bastian scored off an assist from Esther Attwood and Hazel Koenighain. The Mustangs, who dominated possession in the first half, had been pressing for a goal throughout the match. Bastian’s strike gave them a well-deserved lead, marking her first goal of the season.

However, the tide quickly turned in favor of Grinnell (2-1-0). Just six minutes after conceding, Grinnell’s Maddie Beltramo equalized with a composed penalty kick after Mt. Mercy was penalized. The goal seemed to energize Grinnell, who began to control more of the possession and create chances.

Grinnell sealed their comeback in the 81st minute when Maya Mozena found the back of the net, scoring her second goal of the season with an assist from Ramona Delborne. Mt. Mercy goalkeeper Emily Mataschk, who had entered at halftime, made five saves in the second half but couldn’t prevent Mozena’s decisive strike.

Despite the loss, Mt. Mercy showed plenty of fight, outshooting Grinnell 12-8 in shots on goal. However, Grinnell’s defense and goalkeeper Peyton Dixon, who made seven saves, stood strong in the final moments to preserve the win.

Mt. Mercy will look to bounce back in their next match, while Grinnell celebrates a hard-fought victory that improves their record to 2-1-0 on the season.

Key Stats:

Goals:
Mt. Mercy: Brielle Bastian (58’)
Grinnell: Maddie Beltramo (65′ – PK), Maya Mozena (81’)
Shots on Goal:
Mt. Mercy: 9
Grinnell: 8
Saves:
Mt. Mercy: 6
Grinnell: 8