WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University women's soccer team netted two key goals, including one just 20 seconds into the match, to score an upset 2-1 victory over visiting Concordia, St. Paul on Friday, Sept. 30.
Fans of the Warriors and Golden Bears had not yet settled into their seats following introductions before Winona State forward
Grace Seim slotted home an inch-perfect cross from Warrior teammate
Ellie Wardell to stake the home side a 1-0 lead less than 30 seconds after the opening whistle.
Concordia, St. Paul responded quickly to the early WSU goal, leveling the game at 1-1 when Leah Engh finished a pass from Sophie Pawlyshyn to score at the 7:48 mark of the first half. For the rest of the first 45 minutes, the two teams traded chances with CSP goalkeeper Ashlyn Waldon making a key save against WSU's
Reanne Weil with just over ten minutes left in the half.
Warrior goalkeeper
Chloe Swanson faced eight CSP corner kicks in the first half, and six shots overall, but produced several fine stops to keep the teams tied at the break.
After halftime, Winona State earned their first corner kick of the match at 60:24 and the second one just moments later. WSU forward
Sarah Strating took advantage of a missed CSP clearance on the second corner to latch onto a loose ball and beat CSP's Waldon to move Winona State ahead, 2-1.
Concordia, St. Paul stepped up their offensive effort in the closing 30 minutes of the game, reeling off a series of shots including a long-range blast from Jessica Timpane that Swanson soared to reach at the top corner, pushing it wide of the post with just over 10 minutes left in the match.
Swanson finished the game with ten saves, a season-high mark, and her performance in the net allowed the goals from Seim and Stating to stand up for the Warrior win. Winona State defeated CSP for the first time since 2016 and snapped a five-game CSP unbeaten streak.
Winona State (5-2-3, 3-1-3 NSIC) is unbeaten in their last four matches and will host #19 Minnesota State, Mankato on Sunday, Oct. 2. The Warriors and Mavericks are set for a 1 p.m. start time in Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
