Late Goal Denies Statesmen Positive Result Against CMU

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s soccer team was mere minutes away from walking off with a tie against the eighth-ranked team in the nation, but a tough call cost the Statesmen in a 1-0 double-overtime loss to Central Methodist in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

WPU (8-6-1, 4-5-1 Heart) allowed 40 attempts by the Eagles (14-0-2, 9-0-1 Heart), but turned them away every time.

Unfortunately, that all changed with just 7:25 left in the second extra session as the navy and gold were whistled for a foul in their own box. The call resulted in a penalty kick and CMU took advantage to end the game.

The trio of Graciela Belmontes (Sr., Salinas, Calif., Biology), Alexandra Benedict (Jr., Tustin, Calif., Sports Management), and Nicole Walsh (Sr., Melbourne, Australia, Exercise Science) all tallied one shot each.

Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology) guided the defense with 17 saves.

“This was a heart-breaking way to the game,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “I certainly felt the penalty call at the end was soft and it is a shame to lose the game like that. The ladies can be very proud of how they performed. They stuck to the game plan and left everything on the field. I am very proud of them.”

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host Mount Mercy in Heart action at 5 p.m.