MILWAUKEE – The Mount Mary University Soccer Team defeated the visiting Lakeland Muskies today at the Mount Mary Soccer Field. After a 0-0 first half, the Blue Angels (3-4) two goals in the final 45 minutes paved the way to the 2-0 win. The win marks the first time MMU defeated Lakeland Soccer since joining the NCAA in 2009.
The first half saw both teams control the ball equally, evident from the seven shots from each team before halftime. Five of the Muskies shots were on goal, and Hannah Rose (Fr./ Jeromesville, Ohio) denied each and every opportunity with the help of the defense on her way to her first collegiate shutout.
"Nothing came easy for us today." Mount Mary Head Soccer Coach Jon Gulrajani said, "Overall this was our best collective effort of the season. The defense bent but didn't break…"
The defense continued to turn away the Muskies. Although Lakeland won the corner kick battle 6-1 in the second half, the Blue Angels allowed only one shot on goal in the final 45 minutes.
At the 55 minute mark, Becky Onan (Jr./Grafton, Wis.) setup freshman Kaeli Stellings (Beloit, Wis.) on the right side of the field as Stellings cleared the defense and drilled a shot from outside to make the game 1-0.
Six minutes later, Karina Salgado (So./Chicago, Ill.) found Allison Klotz (Fr./Port Washington, Wis.) get around the defense on the left side and with a well-placed ball Klotz bent the shot around the goal keeper to make the 2-0.
"This is exciting for this group because they have been training hard, supporting each other, and this result is proof of the work they are putting in [sic]. We played with confidence and were relentless defending in the last 15 minutes of the game." Coach Gulrajani added, "For me I told the group they have raised the bar and now they can build on today and carry it forward next week. I am really proud of the strides we are taking, it has been really refreshing to see us get results for our hard work."
Now the Blue Angels will have a few days to rest before their next contest on Sat. Sept. 24 against Finlandia (0-2). It will be the second game against an Association of Division III Independents team this year. Live stats will be available for the AD3I showdown at mtmaryathletics.com.
