Hey, Cougar Nation, women’s soccer is back and the drama came with it. It’s been a long offseason for the Cougars after their first round exit in last year’s CCAC Women’s Soccer Tournament to Judson University (Ill.). They kicked off their 2013 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bethel College (Ind.) that went into double overtime.
The drama started early for the Cougars when they found themselves down 1-nil after a goal in the 70th minute from the Pilots. The Cougars turned up the intensity after that and it finally paid off when sophomore forward Lexi Cozzi tied the game up at one in the 87th minute after a nice assist from junior midfielder Danielle Inzinga.
After the clutch goal by Cozzi, the match went into overtime. The Pilots and Cougars battled it out for two extra periods where both teams had their chances, but neither team could put the ball behind the goalkeeper.
The game was called after double overtime and the Cougars had to settle for the draw this time around. The Cougars had 16 shots on goal in this battle of iron wills led by another junior playing midfield, Cassie Pullia.
The team will look to build off of this draw and improve on their 10-8-1 record from the 2012 season.
They will be led by Cozzi, who was tied with the team lead in goals with seniors Morgan Graves, Anita Balcinuas, a four year player for the Cougars who plays forward, and junior midfielder Inzinga.
The Cougars also have young talent at the goalkeeper position, as proved Wednesday night when new freshman goalkeeper Alex Perry had six saves in her first game as a college soccer player.
The Cougars are ready to dominate their conference this year and make it to the National Tournament.
They will be led by coach Evan Strehlau, who is in his second season as the head coach of the Cougars and who directed the team well in his first season. The team is looking strong with a mixture of experience and youth, all with the talent to make a positive impact.
The team encourages everyone to go out and watch them compete at its highest level. The next home game is September 25 against University of Saint Francis (Ill.), and everyone is invited to come support the squad.
Damone Griffin
Copy Editor