Box Score

The UW-Parkside women's soccer team took the first step in defending its Great Lakes Valley Conference championship with a 2-0 victory over Southern Indiana in the GLVC Tournament Quarterfinals on Sunday at Wood Road Field. The Rangers scored two second half goals to earn the win and advance to next Friday's semifinals against Bellarmine University.  
 
The tournament's final four will be held at top-seeded Northern Kentucky who advanced on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Missouri-St. Louis. It's a nearly identical scenario as last year when Parkside had to go to Highland Heights to claim the title.
 
“Being there for the third time now (over the last two years), I think there's a comfort zone,” said head coach Troy Fabiano of heading back to Northern Kentucky. “It's not like we're going to be overwhelmed with it. Especially this year with our schedule and playing all the top teams on the road ... we'll be prepared.”
 
Parkside improved to 12-2-2 on the season and 6-0-2 on the home turf. If Sunday proves to be the final home match of the season, the Ranger seniors leave with a career mark of 35-2-5 at Wood Road Field.
 
“We have such good team chemistry here,” said senior Kristen Benson. “It's meant a lot to play here. It's sad but hopefully we can get another home match.”
 
After the game's first five minutes, the Rangers controlled possession for virtually the remainder of the match. The Screaming Eagles were able to muster just two shots on the day in relation to the 23 Parkside was able to get.
 
Going against the wind in the first half the Rangers had a couple of chances to take the lead but couldn't get one across. Shannon Becker had perhaps the best opportunity of the half as she got behind the defense but USI keeper, Stephanie Bodamer, came out to take the angle away and push the shot wide.
 
The two teams battled to a scoreless tie in early October on this same field. At halftime Fabiano stressed staying with what got them to this point.
 
 “We decided to go against the wind in the first half because we thought we were the more dangerous side the first game,” said Fabiano. “So even if we didn't get one in the first half we'd have the advantage coming out. We talked about not panicking and being patient because the chances were going to come.”
 
The chances did begin to come for the Rangers as they were able to get on the board just 4:26 into the second half. Natalie Brown put one over the top of the defense to Benson who was able to find the inside of far right post from about ten yards out and earn what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
 
Not only did the goal give Parkside the lead, but it also appeared to take a lot out of the Screaming Eagles.
 
“We felt like if we could get one more would come,” said Fabiano. “They were working so hard to defend so when we got that goal it definitely gave us momentum.”
 
Parkside continued to pressure and would add an insurance goal in the 62nd minute. Becker chipped a ball to the left wing and Megan Owens pushed it through the legs of the keeper for her fifth goal of the year and a 2-0 cushion. The assist by Becker was the 45th of her career, tying her with Allison Wild for school record.
 
“She has brought that facet to her game because of all the double teams she's faced,” said Fabiano. “That's usually a center/midfielder statistic but every time she touches the ball she's dangerous. Not many players can do some of the things she is able to.”
 
USI was able to get off just one more shot the rest of the match as the Rangers limited their chances at a comeback. As time ticked away the Rangers improved to 7-0-2 over their last nine contests.
 
“I think we're playing our best soccer right now,” said Fabiano. “Hopefully we're finding our stride. I think the confidence is there and they feel like they can beat anyone right now.”
 
The Rangers and Knights will meet for the second time this season. Parkside scored a 1-0 victory in Louisville on October 2. Emily Konior scored the only goal just 7:12 in and the Rangers held on for the win. Check back later today to see the game times for Friday's semifinal round.