September 13, 2016- With the first part of the 2016 season coming to a close, the Concordia University Chicago Women's Soccer team took to the pitch for a final match before opening Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play on Sunday. CUC took to the road again, heading to Watertown, Wisconsin to take on former NACC opponent Maranatha Baptist. The Cougars would have control of the match from the opening kick. CUC allowed the Sabercats to take just one shot in the match, while CUC was able to find the back of the net five separate times improving to 3-2-1 on the season with the 5-0 victory.


CUC was able to rip off multiple shots in the first few minutes breaking down the Sabercat defense. The Cougars opened up the scoring for the day in the 12^th minute. Alisha Johnson (Coal City, IL, Coal City) netted her first goal of the season, creating open space for herself at the top right side of the box and curling a fantastic ball across the net just inside the left post to give the visiting Cougars the early lead.

The Cougars continued to dominate the half, but were unable to double the lead until the 44^th minute. This time Allison Kruk (Elgin, IL, St. Edward Central Catholic) put the finishing touches on the Cougars second goal off a rebound after Krista Pojero (Neptune, N.J, Neptune) shot was deflected, landing at the feet of Kruk.

The teams went into the halftime break with the score favoring CUC 2-0. Head Coach Chris Brown challenged his team during the halftime break, to really take things up a notch and they responded in a very positive way.

CUC continued to pressure the Sabercats with relentless defense and persistent offense. The Cougars made it 3-0 in the 57^th minute when Meghan Vasseur (Spring Grove, IL., Richmond-Burton) netted her first career goal. Vasseur was led into space on the left side just inside the box, and put the finishing touch on the goal inside the right post.

The Cougars continued to respond to Brown's challenge getting goals in the 59^th and 83^rd minutes. Both goals came off of the foot of freshman Samantha Wozniak (Villa Park, IL., Willowbrook). Her first came from 30 yards out lobbed directly over the goalkeepers reach. The second was assisted by Sydney Fuller (Bristol, IN, Northridge ). Fuller found just enough space directly through traffic to the foot of Wozniak who one touched it for the Cougars fifth and final tally of the match.
 
The defensive back line was nearly flawless all day for CUC. They allowed just one shot for Maranatha. Talking to senior Christina Kiotis (Park Ridge, IL, Maine South) following the match she credited their time together as one of their strengths. "We have been together a long time. We need to stay focused and do what we have to do; we will be ready for conference. "

"I think today was a good final tune-up for us," remarked Brown following the match. "We were able to get a ton of players in and work on some things. With Marian on Sunday, it has been a good rivalry between us. It should be an interesting year in the conference. We will get some rest and training in the next few days, but all-in-all I think the girls are ready for Sunday."
 
 The Cougars (3-2-1) will return home on Sunday at 1:00pm to open NACC play against Marian. The women's soccer team will welcome their alumni back on campus along with the Elmwood Park AYSO to enjoy the exciting soccer action.