After taking in a Kansas City Royals game Saturday afternoon, it was back to the grind for the UMSL women's soccer program( 5-4-1, 3-3-1).
The Tritons battled William Jewell looking to get back into the win column after Friday's double overtime scoreless draw at Rockhurst.
Well, mission accomplished, as the Tritons made sure to take care of business, defeating the Cardinals 1-0 in Liberty, Mo.
The Tritons wasted little time in putting the pressure on the Cardinals' defense, exposing the passing lanes and creating the much needed spacing.
Just eight minutes and 17 seconds into the contest,
Maya Ware sized up the collapsing defense, trying to feed the ball just outside the box.
The pass was deflected by a Cardinals defender, perfectly leading teammate
Jaycee Cotton just outside the far right post.
Cotton capitalized for the lone score of the match.
Scoring first not only gives confidence for the Tritons, but it puts added pressure on the opposition.
"It's always nice to have an early goal. I just wish we could've finished a couple more of our opportunities, because sometimes when you let good teams hang around, it comes back to haunt you. We just have to get more composed in front of the net so that we can seal games sooner," said UMSL head coach
Maddi Moon.
While establishing and sustaining tempo is pivotal, Moon has her finger on another pulse, too.
Said Moon: "We definitely have been working on playing through our midfield and possessing the ball instead of always going forward a million miles an hour. I think it's definitely obvious with our play the last few games that our mindset has kind of shifted and we are trying to slow down the game and just keep the ball."
While the Cardinals entered the tilt winless, the Tritons never overlooked the opposition, as it's the GLVC and anything can happen on any given night.
"[We] headed into the match was like every other. The GLVC is crazy ... 12-of-14 teams went to overtime Friday, and William Jewell just took a top team in the conference into double overtime. They are a well-coached team and have a talented front and the girls knew that going in. We just have the mindset that every game is anyone's game in the conference so you have to show up ready and know it's going to be a battle every game," added Moon.
The Tritons have a loaded weekend coming up as they return home to face a potent Drury team Friday before SBU comes to town for the Sunday matinee.
Concluded Moon: "This weekend is going to be tough. Drury is undefeated in the GLVC, so we are preparing for that game starting now. Both teams are very talented and we just have to go in ready for a battle, start fast, and take advantage of our opportunities in front of goal."
