The Golden Eagle soccer team started off its OVC campaign last weekend with a win over Southern Illinois- Edwardsville and a loss to Eastern Illinois.
Tech (3-7, 1-1) earned its second shutout of the season against SIUE.
“The team dug deep and decided that they weren’t going to give up and find a way to win this match,” fourth-year head coach Daniel Brizard said.
Senior Shannon Rountree tallied her second goal of the season in the match. Fellow senior, Ellie Iaciofano, slid a pass to Rountree who shot 20 yards out, scoring in the 20th minute of play.
“We knew that they were one of the best teams in the conference and they were a fast-paced team,” Iaciofano said. “After we scored the goal, we needed to keep limiting their chances.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Brown had 10 saves during the game, earning back-to-back shutouts for the season.
“The defensive unit with the five in the back was fantastic,” Brizard said. “Jordan came up with a couple of huge saves as well and played a great game. Overall it was an all-around team win.”
The team was able to keep the scoring gate open, but was unable to come up with a win Sunday versuses Eastern Illinois.
The Golden Eagles were able to capitalize on their opportunities first, scoring in the 21st minute off a corner kick from junior Katie Phillips. However, an explosive spurt of three Panther goals in the span of just over two minutes in the end first half proved to be too much for Tech.
Tech bounced back after halftime from a Taylor Blazei goal off another Iaciofano cross in the 48th minute, but EIU found the back of the net in the 85th minute to seal the deal 4-2.
“Sunday definitely opened our eyes to the fact that anybody can win at any given time in the OVC,” Iaciofano said. “We just need to remember to play strong, hard and fast all the time.”
The team will play at home Friday at 3 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Both matches will be broadcast on the Golden Eagles Sports Network in partnership with the OVC Digital Network.
