DWU falters offensively in first loss of the season

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa. – The Dakota Wesleyan University women's soccer team suffered their first defeat of the season in windy conditions on Wednesday. Dakota Wesleyan struggled to find their offensive rhythm as they fell 2-0 to Dordt University in Great Plains Athletic Conference play.

 The Defenders (2-3-1, 1-2-1 GPAC) opened up the first period on the offensive attack as they recorded three shots within the first 10 minutes. Dordt used one of these shots to secure the first goal of the match in the 10^th minute securing a 1-0 lead.

 The score remained unbothered for the rest of the period as neither team could find the back of the net. The Tigers (4-1, 2-1 GPAC) possessed multiple chances at the net, however, each attempt was denied. In the 28^th minute, Mary Niedzwiecki (Lorton, Va.) notched a shot at the goal that was ultimately saved. Minutes later, both Alyssa Weidler (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Alondra Partida (Salinas, Calif.) tabbed shots on goal that were saved once again.

 At the intermission, the Blue and Gray faced a 10-4 deficit in shots. Both Partida and Weidler led the offensive charge while Alissa Betz (Bismarck, N.D) notched six saves from the netminder position.

 In the second period, the Tigers faltered to a larger margin despite outshooting the Defenders 14-10. In the 60^th minute, Dordt scratched another goal to extend the lead to 2-0. Regardless of solid shots on goal late in the match by Megan Hertzog (Salinas, Calif.) and Kamryn Harrop (Willard, Utah), the Blue and Gray fell on the road 2-0, suffering their first loss of the season.

 DWU was led by Weidler and Partida who combined for eight shots while Harrop also added three shots on goal. On the other side of the pitch, Betz recorded nine saves on 11 shots on goal.

 The Tigers remain on the road as they battle Concordia University at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday in Seward, Neb.