RIVER FOREST, ILL.-- Continuing Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play with one of the toughest conference opponents, the Concordia University Chicago Cougars took their home field where they duked it out with the Illinois Institute of Technology Scarlet Hawks. Despite the final score line, the Cougars battled intensely and made it a match down to the final buzzer.
INSIDE THE BOX
- Brooke Sheriff (Simi Valley, Calif.) led the defense with eight saves on the day while putting herself in many other strong situations to prevent goal scoring opportunities for the Scarlet Hawks.
- Sofia Cazares (Rockford, Ill.) led the offense with two shots on the day, including one on frame.
- Angelina Barreno (Chicago, Ill.) tallied one other shot on goal for the Cougars.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
The Cougars battled through a defensive first half to keep the Scarlet Hawks off the scoreboard, despite many threatening chances. Sheriff cam eup with six saves in the first half as she denied multiple dangerous looks from the Scarlet Hawks, including close range shots and one from far out that would hit the crossbar.
On the offensive end, the Cougars generated chances of their own, as Cazares put two rockets toward the goal one forcing a save and one rattling off the crossbar. Late in the half, Barreno would have arguably the strongest attempt of the day, with a long ball sent from the far side of the field and a one-on-one chance with the keeper outside of the box that would be strongly deflected as the clock ran out.
Second Half
CUC continued to show resilience throughout a hard-fought second half. After holding the score blank with the emphasis on Sheriff's lockdown defense in the net, the Scarlet Hawks were able to break through in the 61st minute off a corner kick. Despite falling behind, the Cougars refused to fold. Sheriff continued her standout performance in the net, turning away multiple on-frame attempts.
Offensively, the Cougars pressed for an equalizer with Cazares, Barreno, and
Grace Chavez (
Morgan Hill, Calif.) helping to push the late attack. The back line and midfield rotations held firm under heavy pressure, as fresh legs for the Cougars brought new energy in the late goings.
The Cougars will be back in action next Saturday, as they head to Lakeland University for a 1:00 pm kickoff. Coverage can be found at cucougars.com
