Kansas City, IA – The Reivers won 2-1 in a tight game against St. Charles under the lights Thursday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Iowa Western started off the game like many others they have played—with a goal. Five minutes into the game, sophomore midfielder Laura Chavez slipped the ball past the Cougar's defensive line. Freshman midfielder Paige Moser patiently found her way around a defender and stuck the ball into the net for the first goal. The Reivers continued to press strong, moving the ball swiftly around the field. Chavez earned a corner in the 15th minute. With ease, she sailed the ball into line for freshman defender Veronica Herrera to head into the goal, increasing Iowa Western's lead to 2-0. The Reivers continued to move the ball around the field and shut down opportunities for St. Charles. At 32 minutes, the Cougars scored their first goal. Iowa Western left the field determined to take back any hope St. Charles had of winning.
With more effort, Iowa Western increased the speed of play and pressure on the Cougars. The Reivers earned most of the possession, switching the point of attack and moving the ball around the opposing team. Despite the lack of goals, the Reivers continued to create threatening chances. St. Charles had a few chances to try and tie the game, but each was shut down by the defensive line (sophomore Sofia Culvin, freshman Kaylie Smith, Herrera, sophomore Alex Allgaier, sophomore Kate Reddish) and freshman goalkeeper Mandy Clark. Iowa Western continued to hold strong and ended with a 2-1 win.
NOTES & NUMBERS: Paige Moser scored with an assist from Laura Chavez in the 5th minute. Veronica Herrera scored with an assist from Chavez in the 15th minute.
QUOTES: Freshman midfielder Paige Moser from Preston, Idaho
"I think we played well, but when we got scored on we struggled to find each other's feet and possess the ball," said Moser. "I think we picked it up in the second half…I think we played more relaxed and composed."
UP NEXT: The Reivers play their last regular season game against conference opponent Hawkeye CC in Waterloo, Iowa on Tuesday, October 24th at 1:00PM. The Reivers will host a Region XI Semi-Final match at 3:00PM on Wednesday, November 1st. For details and match updates, please follow Iowa Western Women's Soccer on Twitter @ReiverWSoccer.
