Fort Dodge, IA: The Reiver women's soccer team defeated conference foe Iowa Central Community College 6-0 to increase their conference record to 5-0-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Reivers dominated possession of the ball and game from the first whistle. Being able to freely move the ball up and down the field, side to side, working to break down the Tritons defense. Creating plenty of dangerous opportunities, they would take 12 shots within the first half, putting 6 on the frame. It wasn't until the 36th minute that the Reivers were able to break through the Triton defense and score their first goal. Freshman Yoshiki Kitadai was able to find the ball at the top of the 18-yard box, dribble around an oncoming defender and strike the ball to the back post and into the net, giving the Reivers a 1-0 lead going into the half. Coming out of the Break, Iowa Western continued to dominate possession and take plenty of shots against the Tritons. In the 57th minute of play, after earning a corner, Laura Linares was able to head the ball home after Mayu Inokawa served the ball into the box. Not content with a 2-0 lead, the Reivers would continue to press with the ball until the 63rd minute when Laura Linares would play a long ball into the box, allowing Anna Hall to run onto it to finish with a shot right over the keepers head, extending the Reivers lead to 3-0. Wanting to pay Laura Linares back, Anna Hall would get the ball in the 80th minute and dribble to the end line, cut the ball back and serve it into Laura Linares, who was waiting on the 6-yard line to tap it into the goal. This would start a flurry of goals from the Reivers, as they would take only 2 minutes to stretch the lead to 5-0 with a goal from Paula Boza. Boza was able to pressure a Central defender into a bad clearance, steal the ball from her, and find the back corner of the goal, giving Boza her first goal of the game. With the game coming to an end, the Reivers would earn a PK off of a Triton handball in the box. In the 85th minute, Laura Linares would net her first Hat-Trick of the season and drive the PK past the keeper, giving the Reivers the final score of 6-0.
NOTES & NUMBERS: The shutout streak is extended to 5 games with this win. Laura Linares earns her first hat-trick of the season, the Reivers second player to accomplish it this spring.
QUOTES: Head Coach Adam Sanchez: "Today was another great step. However, we have much growing to do. Iowa Central is a quality side and were coming off a great result. We knew they would be dangerous, but the players were excellent in their possession and winning the ball back. That was huge for us in limiting Centrals opportunities. We are looking forward to our next challenge."
UP NEXT: The Reivers are on the road as they face Iowa Lakes Community College Saturday, April 24th. Match updates can be found on Twitter at @ReiverWSoccer.
