WPU Rallies to Drop Graceland 2-1
William Penn Women’s Athletics
Oskaloosa–A penalty kick goal did not slow down the Statesmen women’s soccer team as it came from behind to defeat Graceland 2-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Wednesday.
William Penn (5-4, 2-2 Heart) was outshot 5-1 in the first period, but went into the locker room in a scoreless tie. The hosts bounced back after the halftime pep talk, eventually closing the gap to 10-8.
Unfortunately, a 1-on-1 situation in the 69th minute with a Yellowjacket player forced Adriana Borjon (Jr., Willits, Calif., Exercise Science) out of the goal and she fouled the individual in the box to set up a penalty kick. GU (4-7, 1-3 Heart) converted to take a 1-0 lead.
Less than seven minutes later, Anyela Jimenez (Jr., Lancaster, Calif., Sociology) was in the same position as she was tackled in the opposite box to earn her own PK. Jimenez put the ball just past the visiting keeper, in fact going off her glove, to knot the contest at 1-1. The goal is her second of 2015.
Finally, in the 84th minute, Lauren Abbas (Sr., Adel, Iowa, Communications) started the final scoring play, passingthe ball from the outside to AnnaMarie Urps (Fr., Wilton, Calif., Physical Education) near the top of the box. Urps then slotted a ball to the opposite post and Silvia Munoz (Sr., Paramount, Calif., Elementary Education) buried it for her squad-high eighth goal. Abbas and Urps now both have three assists.
Borjon, who finished with three saves, led the navy and gold to hang on for the win that ended WPU’s two-game losing streak.
“The ladies showed up tonight and really put the last game behind them,” Head Coach Willie McGowan said. “This is a big result for us as we try to find our way in the Heart; Graceland is a solid team with good players all over the field.”
“To come back from a goal down shows the character and belief we have when we all show up and work for each other,” McGowan said. “This was a great team effort and everyone should feel proud of their contribution.”
Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Saturday to host Central Methodist (Mo.) in Heart play at 5 p.m.
