Women's Soccer downed by UW-Whitewater in non-conference action

MEQUON, Wis. – After playing a scoreless first half with three-time defending WIAC champion UW-Whitewater, the Concordia University Wisconsin women's soccer team fell victim to three second-half goals as they dropped its non-conference match, 3-1 at Fitting Field.

Strong goalie play and excellent defense was the story of the first 45 minutes Wednesday afternoon. Freshman goalkeeper Ariana Worthing (Saginaw, Mich.) was outstanding in net for the Falcons as she made three saves to keep the score tied, while her counterpart, Jordan Myers, tallied two saves in the opening frame. Worthing would not play in the second half for CUW.

A goal just under four minutes into the second half by Natalie Lechner gave the Warhawks a 1-0 lead. Lechner scored off a pass from Carrie Wagner. Carly Pottle would then send in the game winner at the 69:52 mark off a Jenna Woodson assist.

UWW (1-0-1) built its lead to 3-0 when Brianna Reid deflected a shot from Carolyn Nash to beat Falcon goalkeeper Alyssa Schmitt (Cedar Grove, Wis.).

The Falcons would make sure there would be no shutout, however, as sophomore Carley Pfannerstill (Grafton, Wis.) scored an unassisted goal at the 83:26 mark to make the final tally 3-1 in favor of the visiting Warhawks. Pfannerstill beat the defense up the sideline and cut in about 10 yards out before launching one past Myers.

UW-Whitewater finished with 19 shots, while the Falcons countered with six of their own. Pfannerstill, sophomore Emily Ciesielczyk (Waukesha, Wis.) and freshman Rachel Suarez (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) each recorded two shots for CUW. Sarah Sedlar of UW-Whitewater totaled a game-best five shots. Schmitt made one second-half save for the Falcons and Myers finished with five total saves to pick up her first win of the season for UWW.

CUW (0-2-0) will look for its first victory of the season Saturday when they host Lake Forest College in a non-conference match at Fitting Field. Play is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m.