Strong first half helps Women's Soccer to third-straight win

MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Soccer team used a strong opening half to pick up its third straight win Wednesday, a 2-1 decision over NACC opponent Marian. The Falcons scored both of their goals in the opening half and held on for the one-goal win.

THE BASICS
- Final Score: Concordia Wisconsin 2, Marian 1
- Location: Fitting Field – Mequon, Wisconsin
- Records: Concordia Wisconsin 4-9-1, 4-3-1 NACC; Marian 4-10-0, 2-6-0 NACC

TABITHA ORTIZ POSTGAME INTERVIEW

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Senior Brittany Klumpp (Rubicon, Wis.) put the Falcons on the board in the 14th minute with her team-leading fourth goal of the season. Klumpp beat the defense and struck from 10 yards out, giving the Falcons the 1-0 advantage.

- Klumpp would set up the Falcons second score, this one coming from sophomore Kayla Schlosser (Germantown, Wis.) just a little over five minutes later. Schlosser scored her third of the season, and also recorded a goal for the second straight contest.

- All that was a part of a dominant first half for the Falcons. CUW outshot Marian 14-2 in the opening half, and junior goalkeeper Tabitha Ortiz (Plainfield, Ill.) was not tested in the opening half. The Falcons also had an 8-0 edge in shots on goal over the opening 45 minutes.

- The second half was much more even with Marian holding a slight 5-4 edge in shots, including a 5-2 edge in shots on goal. Ortiz played well, making three saves, while the Falcons also had a team save where senior defender Abigail Freeland (Grafton, Wis.) made an outstanding play midway through the half, keeping the shutout in tact at the moment.

- Marian got on the board with just 1:15 left in regulation, as Briana Pawlowski netted the header goal off a perfect cross from Molly Kovarik. The Falcons were able to keep Marian from any scoring chances over the final 1:15 to hold on for the one-goal win.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Klumpp now has 49 goals in her career, just one shy of being the fourth player in the Ryan Middendorf era (2003-present) to record 50 goals.

- CUW has won three straight and now has two more conference matches remaining. The Falcons currently sit in sixth in the NACC standings but will have a chance to move up with a big match Saturday.

UP NEXT
- CUW will host Concordia Chicago for Senior Day Saturday. The Falcons trail the Cougars by just two points in the NACC standings. The match is set for a 1 p.m. start at Fitting Field.