Late second-half goal lifts Women's Soccer to win over Carroll

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Freshman Breanne Thomas recorded her first career game-winning goal, scoring in the 76th minute to lead the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Soccer team to a 2-1 win over Carroll University Wednesday night at Schneider Stadium.

Thomas (Oconomowoc, Wis.) took a pass from junior Carley Pfannerstill (Grafton, Wis.) to beat the keeper with 14:33 left in regulation, helping the Falcons secure the one-goal win. It was the second career goal for the freshman.

Fellow freshman Tabitha Ortiz (Plainfield, Ill.) made a career-high eight saves to pick up her sixth win of the season. Six of the eight saves came in the opening half where Ortiz helped the Falcons take a 1-0 advantage into the break.

CUW built that 1-0 lead in the opening half thanks to junior Brittany Klumpp, who recorded her team-leading 15th goal of the season at the 21:34 mark. Klumpp (Rubicon, Wis.) ran her goal streak to five matches, setting a new career mark in the process. Pfannerstill recorded an assist on the opening score, posting her first multi-assist match of the season.

CU (4-7-1) tied the score at 1-1 just 3:12 into the second half when Shannon Carroll netted her first goal of the season. The Carroll goal was unassisted.

CUW finished the match with a 17-12 edge in shots, including an 11-5 advantage in the second half. Pfannerstill led all players with five shots, three coming on goal, while Klumpp and senior Anna Hirssig (Rochester, Minn.) each tallied three shots. Sara Mahoney finished with a match-best four shots for the Pioneers. CU keeper Erica Patterson made five saves in a losing effort, stopping three shots in the opening half.

The Falcons will return to the pitch Saturday in a much anticipated matchup against Aurora University. The Falcons and Spartans are the lone remaining unbeaten in the NACC and are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Fitting Field.