University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Missouri State - MVC Quarterfinal
UNI Downs MSU 2-1, Earns Spot in MVC Semifinal
11/1/2015 3:05:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The University of Northern Iowa women's soccer team earned a spot in the MVC Women's Soccer Tournament semifinal for the third time in program history with a 2-1 win over Missouri State on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers (7-8-5, 2-3-2 MVC) will advance to the semifinals for the first time since the 2011 team defeated Creighton in penalty kicks in the opening round, 5-3.
The UNI offense was able to earn a penalty kick with just under five minutes remaining in the first half as the Panther attack forced the MSU goalkeeper Jessica Perry to leave net, committing a foul on UNI's Katie Witt in the process. Witt's preceding penalty kick was sent to the right side of the net, but Perry was able to make the save to keep the game scoreless.
Freshman forward Brynell Yount broke the scoreless tie in the opening moments of the second half, scoring on a pass from UNI goalkeeper Whitney Blunt's free kick in the midfield to put UNI ahead 1-0.
Yount tallied her second goal of the contest in the 55th minute to put the Panthers up 2-0. Sarah Brandt grabbed her team-high fourth assist on Yount's fourth goal of the season. Yount finished the contest with a game-high four shots on goal off seven attempts.
"Brynell was terrific, but so were many others," said UNI Head Coach James Price. "We talked about playing our way, which isn't always the prettiest, but today it was very effective and we gave ourselves a great chance to win the game."
Missouri State turned up the pressure late in the second half, scoring a goal to cut the UNI lead to one with less than eight minutes remaining. With Blunt out of net and MSU with possession, the Panther defense managed to keep the ball out of the net for a few moments before Rachel Catrell found the goal.
Blunt was pressured just moments later as MSU sent a shot forward that sailed just past the outstretched arms of the UNI goalkeeper and right of the post.
"(I'm) pleased for this group and pleased for this program," said Price.
The Panthers will take on the MVC Women's Soccer Tournament host Evansville on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. The semifinal game will be available online through the Valley on ESPN3. UNI defeated the Purple Aces in their last meeting, earning a 1-0 win at the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex on Oct. 10.
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