MILWAUKEE – Today at Blue Angels Soccer Field, visiting Finlandia University defeated the Mount Mary University Blue Angels by a score of 8-0. The loss moves the Blue Angels to 1-12 on the season while the Lions are now 11-1-1.
The Lions tested the defense of the Blue Angels right out of the gate. Finlandia smacked the first four shots, with two being deflected by Hannah Rose (Jr./Jeromesville, Ohio), but the fifth shot found its way into the back of MMU's net at the 5:09 mark. Rylie Steele scored that opening mark, her first of three on the day.
The Lions continued to apply pressure in MMU territory, and eight minutes later, Finlandia found their second goal of the game. Kirsten L'Esperance tapped the goal in to add to her American Collegiate Athletic Association leading total: 23.
Finlandia added another goal at the 16-minute mark, and then L'Esperance added her second goal of the contest just five minutes later. The Blue Angels clamped down the rest of the half and did not allow another goal for the rest of frame.
Rose was credited with 10 saves in the first half of her overall 24.
The Blue Angels kept their opponent off the scoreboard for the first twenty minutes of the second half. The continued attack from Finlandia finally broke through when the Lions scored four goals over the next ten minutes of play. Rylie Steele added her second and third goals, while L'Esperance added two more assists.
Halee Van de Boom (So./Saukville, Wis.) led the Blue Angels on offense with one shot on goal.
Following today's contest, the MMU will officially return to action Sun. Oct. 21 on Blue Angels Soccer Field. The Blue Angels will host Andrews for the penultimate game of the season at 3:00 pm. Live stats and video for the contest will be available at MtMaryAthletics.com.
