Like their male counterparts, the Cougar women’s soccer team has raged into conference play with outstanding results.
Today they defeated Martin Luther College 4-0 for their third win in a row.
Each win in the past week has come by a minimum of four goals and they have outshot their opponents 108-18 over that stretch.
In New Ulm, Minn. this afternoon, the Cougars battled evenly against an inspired and emotional Knights team who were dedicating their new field and memorializing the loss of two men’s soccer players in a tragic car accident last school year. More than 300 spectators turned out for the game.
The external factors of the game impacted play early on, according to head coach Dan Magner. “We just had to settle down and play nice, simple soccer.”
Nice, simple soccer arrived at the 30-minute mark when junior Amber O’Connor scored unassisted, managing to sneak underneath the Martin Luther zone for a clear shot.
Still, even with the 1-0 lead, Magner felt his team was pressing and he addressed this at halftime.
“I told them, ‘This might be a crazy analogy,’” Magner said, “’but we’re like a baseball player at bat. And in front of him, four teammates have hit home runs. So we’re feeling pressure to do that too and we’re gripping the bat really hard and swinging for the fences.’ But right now, we just need a base hit.”
Doubtless, Magner’s words got through to his team, but they really seemed to inspire freshman Taylor Meehan who picked up a hat trick in the second half.
The first goal came 1:30 into the second half when she blasted home a “lovely pass” from O’Connor who found Meehan racing behind the Knights’ zone.
Meehan’s second goal was assisted by Liz Vold and just 13 seconds later, she notched another tally, unassisted.
“Taylor seems to have habit of scoring in quick succession. That’s not the first time she’s done that this season,” Magner said.
The win marks a dramatic turnaround for the Cougars who went 1-4 through non-conference play. They now stand at .500 with an undefeated record in the UMAC.
Magner credits the better play to focus. “Everyone is contributing and not just the people in the game. On the sidelines, our spirit is excellent and I’m really pleased with the overall positive vibe… plus, it doesn’t hurt to be getting a lot of shots.”
The Cougar women host Northwestern College and Crown College next weekend in Morris.
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