University of St. Thomas Athletics
Sunday, October 17
St. Paul, Minn.
1:00 p.m.
3-9-1, 1-4-0
1
vs
0
Western Illinois
7-6-1, 1-4-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Ill. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| St. Thomas (MN) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Women's Soccer defeats Western Illinois 1-0 in conference matchup Sunday
10/17/2021 5:50:00 PM | Women's Soccer
St. Thomas (3-9-1) was sharp and strong against Summit League opponent Western Illinois (7-6-1). A cohesive performance front to back gave the Tommies their first conference win on Sunday. Despite having two goals called back and being challenged by a physical and frustrating game, the Purple fought through and stayed in the moment, which lifted them to a 1-0 victory.
The Toms were forced to adjust early, as the Leathernecks came out strong and fast. Changing formation allowed the Purple to match up more directly and find a rhythm to rely on throughout the contest. The Tommies continually pushed forward and spent lots of time in Western Illinois territory. Both teams were playing tough and battling hard, with twelve fouls awarded to each side by the end of the match.
The second half was just as fast and physical as the first. St. Thomas continued to apply pressure and found the back of the net in the 62nd minute. The ball was sent to Abby Brantner, who battled traffic and beat several defenders with her possession. Taking a player with her, she drove hard to the end line and set up a well-placed shot for Marli Bertagnoli, who blasted the ball into the goal.
Bertagnoli, along with junior Jasmine Gates, were fantastic in the midfield. They played great in both offensive and defensive moments and worked hard to create opportunities for the team. Freshman Annika Eckroth connected well with those chances, stepping in as a forward and assisting the attack.
The defense for the Toms was strong and composed. They adapted to playing with three in the back and were phenomenal in doing so. The Purple communicated well and were successful in shutting down Western Illinois' attempts to connect, as well as in shielding sophomore goalie, Olivia Graupmann. Graupmann came up big and had eight saves for the Toms. She was challenged with five corners where the Leathernecks put two big players on her, battled through them, and tallied her fourth shutout of the season.
St. Thomas is set to face two conference opponents on the road next weekend. They face Oral Roberts (4-9-1) on Friday, October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Tommies then travel to play at the University of Missouri-Kansas City on Sunday, October 24th, at 1:00 p.m.
The Toms were forced to adjust early, as the Leathernecks came out strong and fast. Changing formation allowed the Purple to match up more directly and find a rhythm to rely on throughout the contest. The Tommies continually pushed forward and spent lots of time in Western Illinois territory. Both teams were playing tough and battling hard, with twelve fouls awarded to each side by the end of the match.
The second half was just as fast and physical as the first. St. Thomas continued to apply pressure and found the back of the net in the 62nd minute. The ball was sent to Abby Brantner, who battled traffic and beat several defenders with her possession. Taking a player with her, she drove hard to the end line and set up a well-placed shot for Marli Bertagnoli, who blasted the ball into the goal.
Bertagnoli, along with junior Jasmine Gates, were fantastic in the midfield. They played great in both offensive and defensive moments and worked hard to create opportunities for the team. Freshman Annika Eckroth connected well with those chances, stepping in as a forward and assisting the attack.
The defense for the Toms was strong and composed. They adapted to playing with three in the back and were phenomenal in doing so. The Purple communicated well and were successful in shutting down Western Illinois' attempts to connect, as well as in shielding sophomore goalie, Olivia Graupmann. Graupmann came up big and had eight saves for the Toms. She was challenged with five corners where the Leathernecks put two big players on her, battled through them, and tallied her fourth shutout of the season.
St. Thomas is set to face two conference opponents on the road next weekend. They face Oral Roberts (4-9-1) on Friday, October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Tommies then travel to play at the University of Missouri-Kansas City on Sunday, October 24th, at 1:00 p.m.
Team Stats
WIU
UST
Goals
0
1
Shots
11
10
Shots on Goal
5
2
Saves
1
5
Corners
5
6
Fouls
12
12
Scoring Plays
Marli Bertagnoli (1)
Assisted By: Abby Brantner
GOAL by UST Bertagnoli, Marli Assist by Brantner, Abby.
61:10
Game Leaders
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
F/M
/ Women's SoccerF
/ Women's Soccer
D/M
/ Women's Soccer
M/D
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's SoccerWomen's Soccer
Sunday, October 09
Women's Soccer vs. North Dakota State
Sunday, October 31
Women's Soccer vs. North Dakota
Friday, October 29
Women's Soccer vs. Western Illinois
Sunday, October 17
