Taking on UNI in MVC play Sunday afternoon in Waterloo, Iowa, the Valpo soccer team surrendered one goal or fewer for the sixth consecutive game, but it wouldn’t be enough to come out victorious as the host Panthers earned the 1-0 victory.

How It Happened

• The first half featured just three combined shot attempts as the two sides battled for control of the match. Valpo’s Kiera Pratt (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield Central) had the lone shot on frame in the half, an effort in the 43rd minute which was saved by UNI goalkeeper Caitlin Richards.
• The Panthers broke through for what proved to be the game’s lone goal in the 55th minute, as Izzy LaFollette scored from the edge of the six-yard box.
• Valpo goalkeeper Nikki Coryell (Aurora, Ill./Metea Valley) totaled five saves in the second half to help keep it a one-goal game.
• Senior Tahelah Noel (Buffalo, N.Y./Christian Central Academy) had a shot attempt go wide in the 85th minute and Valpo had a corner kick in the 87th minute as they pushed in search of the equalizer.

Inside the Match

• Sunday’s matchup was the second of the meeting between Valpo and UNI, as the two sides battled to a scoreless draw in February in a non-conference meeting.
• Coryell allowed just the one goal and made five saves in goal, while Richards stopped the lone shot on goal she faced to earn the shutout.
• Freshman Hannah Mares (Castle Rock, Colo./Castle View) made her first career start on Sunday, becoming the sixth different freshman on this year’s squad to earn a spot in the starting XI.
• Six field players went the full 90 minutes on Sunday, including senior Keegan Maris (Batavia, Ill./Batavia) and sophomore Nicole Norfolk (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels), both of whom have played all 890 minutes this year.

Thoughts From Coach Marovich

“It’s a disappointing loss on the road today. We found a good rhythm midway through the first half. Our midfield three started solving pressure and it allowed us to be attack-minded. We put a ball across the six-yard box late in the first half, but the final touch was off the mark.”

“The match didn’t have many real chances on either side. Unfortunately, UNI was able to nick a goal against the run of play.”

“We have put ourselves in every match this spring and found a few wins and four ties. We must focus on the final touch to capitalize on those moments to elevate the ties and one-goal games into the win column.”

Next Up

Valpo (2-3-4, 1-2-3 MVC) plays its final home match of the season and hosts Senior Day at Brown Field on Saturday, April 3 when the Brown and Gold takes on Missouri State. Kickoff is slated for noon and will be broadcast live on The Valley on ESPN.