The Missouri Western women’s soccer team gave up three straight goals in the first half against the 13th ranked William Jewell Cardinals falling 5-2 in their home opener. The Griffons got two goals from junior transfer Tara Russell in the effort. The Griffons fall to 1-2 with the loss.
The first half was an offensive explosion as both teams combined to score six goals. The Cardinals got on the bard first in the 3rd minutes when Sarah Franklin took an pass from Emily Monroe putting WJC up 1-0.
Western responded nicely in the 10th minute when Katie Kempf found Russell tying the score at one. The goal marked Russell’s second of the season.
The Cardinals dominated the next 20 minutes of play scoring the next three goals. Franklin got her second goal of the game and third of the season of an assist from Olivia Dykes in the 19th minute. Jade Gifford gave the Cardinals a 3-1 lead 10 minutes later when she blasted a shot from 40 yards out which found the net. The final Cardinal goal came in the 32nd minute when Franklin dished out an assist to Leah Connery at the 31:43 mark putting William Jewell up 4-1.
The Griffons kept playing hard and in the 41st minute Tara Russell scored her second goal of the night and third of the season cutting the WJC lead to 4-2 at the half.
Missouri Western only got out shot 10 to eight in the frame but goalie Sarah Lyle only made three saves. The Griffons had five shots on goal with Russell getting three on goal. Kelli Santag had three saves for the Cardinals.
The Griffons played better in the second half holding the Cardinals scoreless until the 76th minute. The Cardinals got the goal from Connery after Lyle misplayed the ball in the box.
Western had 12 shots total with seven on goal. Teddi Serna and Russell each had four shots. Lyle falls to 1-2 making 11 saves.
The Cardinals improve to 2-0 on the season. They had 24 shots with 16 shots on goal. Franklin had five shots with all five making it on frame. Franklin and Connery both had two goals on the night.
The Griffons return to action on Friday, September 13 when they host the Wayne State (Neb.) Wildcats. Game time is set for 4:00 pm in Spratt Stadium.
— MWSU Sports Information —