Miami University
Western Illinois
Strong First Half Propels RedHawks Over Western Illinois
8/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 29, 2010
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Behind a dominating first half, the Miami University women's soccer team remained perfect in 2010 with a 2-1 victory over Western Illinois Sunday afternoon at Morgan Brothers Field in the Lady Govs Invitational, hosted by Austin Peay. The RedHawks (3-0-0) are now 3-0 all-time against the Leathernecks (0-2-1).
In what is becoming a common occurrence, Miami struck early again, as sophomore Jess Kodiak (Naperville, Ill.) beat her defender into the middle of the box and fired a rocket off her left foot that beat WIU keeper Laura Atkinson in the seventh minute for her second tally of 2010. In all three games this season, the 'Hawks have scored within the first seven minutes of the match.
"We made life much more difficult than it needed to be," head coach Bobby Kramig said. "We started off very much like the first two games we've played, scoring early. It's nice that we're doing that. It shows that were focused, ready to play and on task, and then it was missed opportunity after missed opportunity."
The RedHawks continued to put pressure on the Leathernecks the remainder of the half, but couldn't add to their lead until senior Julie Thompson (Glenview, Ill.) found the back of the net in the 41st minute to give Miami a 2-0 cushion. Fellow senior Sara Lund (Malmo, Sweden) put Thompson in behind the defense with a through ball from the midfield that split two Leathernecks. The score was Thompson's first of the season.
Miami took its two-goal margin into halftime, having out-shot Western Illinois 12-0 in the opening period. Atkinson made eight saves to keep WIU in the match in the first 45 minutes. The RedHawks also held a 4-1 edge in corners in the first half.
The Leathernecks then took advantage of some Miami miscues out of the break, as Jordan Spaciel made it a 2-1 contest just 18 seconds in the half when she jammed home the ball after a scrum in front of the net. The 'Hawks were able to fend off WIU the remainder of the game, however, to earn the 2-1 win.
"We took a game where we're looking for a third goal and looking to close out the game, to all of sudden, it's a game," Kramig said. "We finally got things settled down and closed out the game, but it's a lesson learned that you can't take anything for granted."
Miami finished with 17 shots to Western Illinois' three, including a 12-2 margin in shots on goal. Each of the Red and White's opponents this year has been limited to just three shots. Kodiak led the way for Miami with four shots, all on target. The RedHawks also earned seven corner kicks to WIU's four. Freshman keeper Madison Ryan (Marietta, Ga.) made her first start in a red and white uniform, making one save to earn the win, while Jessica Walsh protected the cage for the Leathernecks in the second half and made two stops.
"I'm pleased with this weekend to see us win two, close, tough, hard-fought games," Kramig said. "I think that speaks well to the nature of our team and our character."
The RedHawks return to action Friday, Sep. 3 at Butler at 5 p.m. ET.
--MURedHawks.com--
