Statesmen Take Loss to Central Methodist
Oskaloosa–It was a tough night on Drost Field for the William Penn women’s soccer team. They faced a high-powered side in Central Methodist University and it was the Eagles who put up goals-a-plenty as they won 8-0. The Statesmen fall to 4-7 on the year and are 0-5 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.
The navy and gold changed formation for this one, going with five defensemen against the 9th ranked team in the nation. However, it took just about eight minutes for the Eagles to find a goal. Adyson Blom (So., Newton, Iowa, Human Services) was very busy all night but the opponent on this attempt was able to dribble around her.
The squad was able to make a couple of chances though. Iris Navarro (Fr., Ontario, Calif., Biology) fired one shot that hit the joint of the crossbar and the post, which ended up going over the net. Kaitlin Falaney (Fr., Ottawa, Ill., Sports Management) and Ciara Parrish (Fr., Canoga Park, Calif., Sociology) both fought hard to get open but were not able to find much space to operate in.
It was then a set piece goal that made the score two nothing and a lapse in concentration resulted in a third goal being scored just 14 seconds later. One more made it into the back of the net before the break, with the home side down four after 45 minutes of play.
The team searched for some momentum during the intermission but the second half was once again all Eagles. Four more went in before the night was done, resulting in the 8-0 score line. The team took four more shots during the second half and Parrish had two shots right on the top of the six-yard box saved by the CMU keeper in what would amount to the best chance all night for William Penn. Isabella Pirami (So., South Jordan, Utah, Exercise Science) would lead the team with three shots while Parrish was second with two. Erika Tam (Fr., La Palma, Calif., Bioogy) produced the only other shot for WPU and Blom would make seven saves overall.
“This was a tough game against one of the best teams in the nation,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We had good moments, but could not find enough consistency in the end.”
Next Up: The Statesmen will travel to Ankeny to take on Faith Baptist Bible at 2 p.m. to conclude non-conference play.
