ELGIN, Ill. - No. 14-ranked Indiana Wesleyan women's soccer kicked off their 2023 campaign with a road win over Judson University on Thursday night, 2-0. The Wildcats have won their last two season-openers and have shutout the Eagles in all four of their previous matchups.


 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Elgin, Ill. | Dawson Field
• Records: IWU 1-0, 0-0 CRL | JU  0-1, 0-0 CCAC
• NAIA Top-25 Rankings: IWU - #14 | JU - Unranked

WHAT HAPPENED

• Sophomore Abbey Drahnak found the back of the net off an assist from Madelynn Welker for the first Wildcat goal of the year.
• Graduate transfer Ashley Townsend made the most of her first outing wearing the red and gray by scoring a goal in the 50th minute to make it 2-0.
• Mallory Krueger was credited with the assist, giving her 17 for her career.
• Freshman Avery Sluss got the start in goal for her first collegiate appearance and earned the shutout victory.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 8: IWU recorded 8 shots in each half
• 19: The Wildcats controlled possession by gaining 7 corners while surrendering zero.
• 2: Sluss tallied 2 saves in her collegiate debut at keeper.
• 4: Drahnak's goal was her 4th of her career.

SEIFFERT PERSPECTIVE

• "It's always good to get the first game under your belt," said Daniel Seiffert, Head Women's Soccer Coach. "Going on the road and playing a quality opponent right off the bat is a good way to test ourselves and see how we are progressing. We still have a ways to go, but we are moving in the right direction. Definitely looking forward to getting back to the training grounds."

LOOKING FORWARD

• The Wildcats will face their first ranked opponent of the season on Wednesday as they take on No. 8 Aquinas in Grand Rapids, Mich at 7:00 p.m. 

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

• Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
• Follow Women's Soccer (@IWUWSoccer): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook