UPLAND, Ind. - No. 8 Women's Soccer traveled across town to take on undefeated No. 24 Taylor University on Saturday evening. The first half began with Indiana Wesleyan creating early opportunities. Madelynn Welker tested Taylor's goalkeeper with an on-target shot in the 6th minute, though Taylor managed the save. Throughout the half, the Wildcats maintained pressure, including a close header attempt by Mackenzie Minney in the 30th minute, which the Trojans also saved. Despite these efforts, IWU could not convert their multiple chances into a goal. The half ended with both teams still scoreless, as Indiana Wesleyan's defense held strong against the Trojans' offensive attempts, resulting in a 0-0 score at the break. The Wildcats broke the deadlock when Avery Williams scored in the 50th minute. The goal, assisted by Alyssa Hamann, marked Williams' sixth of the season and put IWU ahead 1-0. Throughout the half, the Wildcats' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Avery Sluss, withstood multiple challenges from TU, as Sluss made 5 crucial saves. Despite the Trojans' offensive efforts, Indiana Wesleyan preserved their lead, closing the half with a 1-0 victory.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Upland, Ind. | Turner Stadium
- Records: IWU: 7-1-1 (1-0-1) | TU: 9-1-0 (1-1-0)
- NAIA Top-25 Poll: IWU - #8 | TU - #24
WHAT HAPPENED
- The first period was all defense as neither team was able to take the lead.
- Freshman Avery Williams gave IWU the 1-0 advantage in the 50th minute after an assist by Alyssa Hamann.
- Goalkeeper Avery Sluss and the Wildcat defense kept Taylor off the scoreboard for yet another clean sheet on the season.
KEY WILDCATS
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- 1: The Wildcats handed the Trojans their first loss of the season as Taylor came in with a 9-0 record.
- 5: Goalkeeper Avery Sluss recorded her 5th clean sheet of the year making 5 saves. This marks the 3rd straight shutout for the Wildcats.
- 6: Freshman Avery Williams continues to lead the Wildcat offense with her 6th goal of the season.
SHAY PERSPECTIVE
- "We knew Taylor was going to be one of our toughest opponents so far this season, and it was a battle for 90 minutes," said head coach Hannah Shay. "Avery Williams did a great job getting her head on the ball, and we had so many great moments defensively. Very proud of the team for their effort tonight!"
LOOKING FORWARD
- The Wildcats return home for their fourth straight match against a ranked opponent in No. 23 Grace College on Wednesday, October 1st.
- Links for tickets, video, and stats are available at IWUWildcats.com.
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