Falcons Maintain First-Place Spot With Late Game Equalizer

MEQUON, Wis. – Senior Day for the Concordia University Wisconsin women's soccer team featured an intense matchup against the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks, the preseason favorite in the conference.

 Despite the Scarlet Hawks firing 14 shots on goal compared to CUW's three, the highly anticipated contest ended in a 1-1 tie, bringing the Falcons' record to 7-3-1 and 5-0-1 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play.

The Scarlet Hawks wasted no time, scoring in the ninth minute to take an early 1-0 lead. However, the Falcons responded with determination, keeping Illinois Tech scoreless for the remainder of the match. 

Senior goalkeeper Brooke Braga (Belgium, Wis.) made several outstanding saves, ensuring that CUW trailed just 1-0 at halftime.

The second half saw the Falcons' defense continue to hold strong, limiting the Scarlet Hawks' scoring opportunities. After making some key substitutions, CUW found its breakthrough with 15 minutes left in the match.

In the 76th minute, freshman Jacey Read (Carbondale, Wis.) showcased her speed, racing down the field and outmaneuvering two IIT defenders. As she approached the Illinois Tech goalkeeper, who had ventured outside the six-yard box, Read delivered a perfectly placed pass to her left, setting up Shay Lange (Racine, Wis.) for a tap-in goal that leveled the score at 1-1.

Determined to secure a positive result, the Falcons continued to excel defensively, successfully keeping the Scarlet Hawks scoreless, forcing the 1-1 draw. With the tie, the Falcons maintain their position atop of the NACC standings.

Braga finished the match with 13 saves, while Lange scored the equalizer, assisted by Read. Junior Brei Rozmiarek (West De Pere, Wis.) also contributed with a shot on goal.

The Falcons will face tough competition as they head to MSOE to take on the Raiders, who currently hold a 3-1-1 conference record.