Box Score Oct. 7, 2013 – Concordia University Chicago's women's soccer team looked to continue its unbeaten record at home on a chilly fall day in River Forest. The Cougars preserved their run of success though not without a struggle, beating the Crusaders of Maranatha Baptist Bible College by a 2-1 score.
"During the first half especially, the youth of the team was very evident as we need to learn to manage our emotions," said head coach
Thomas Goines. "Maranatha was very organized in front of goal, and their discipline showed us how much we have to learn in breaking down a team."
The first half of the game was played almost entirely in the Crusaders' half of the field, but the visitors stymied the Cougars' attack for almost the entire half. Fortunately, Concordia was able to execute on a set play and grab a 1-0 lead in the 35
th minute.
Natalie Weinhold (St. Peters, MO/Lutheran St. Charles) drove a corner kick across the box, which was flicked on to the back post by
Sharice Ellenwood (Streamwood, IL/H.S.). Elizabeth Sanders (St. Louis, MO/Parkway South), who was framing the goal, knocked it in for her third goal of the season.
The Cougars increased their energy levels for the second half, but the Crusaders scored against the run of play to even the match in the 55th minute. Two Maranatha shots were blocked, but the deflection from the second shot wound up at the feet of Natscha Vinz who poked the ball into the mostly vacated net.
Concordia-Chicago put on consistent pressure which paid off in the go-ahead tally with five minutes remaining.
Ahissa Bustos (Island Lake, IL/Wauconda) dribbled past two Crusaders on the left side and passed to
Stephanie Brown (Streamwood, IL/H.S.) in the box. Brown looked to play the ball through, but Maranatha managed to block her initial attempt. However,
Natalie Weinhold was there to smash the ball into the upper portion of the net.
"We managed a tough situation when we weren't at the top of our game, and we learned how dangerous that can be," said Goines. "Now we need to move forward and finish out a tough week with three more games."
The Cougars will play Robert Morris University of Lake County Tuesday afternoon in Waukegan.
