Aug. 22, 2008

Box Score

Chicago, Ill. - The women's soccer season began today down in Chicago against Illinois Tech and with less than 20 minutes remaining, it looked as if the Panthers would post their first victory right away. But two late goals followed by a scoreless overtime period resulted in a draw to open the 2008 season.

DU, who is coming off a 4-11-1 season a year ago, took the lead early when two freshman Brooke Guiles (Jenison, MI) and Britteny Willis (Hudsonville, MI) hooked up on a goal in the 12th minute of the game. Willis sent a through ball that was banged home by Guiles to give Davenport a 1-0 lead. The remainder of the first half was a defensive battle as goalkeeper Kristen Haight (Grand Rapids, MI) kept the lead intact for the Panthers.

Fifteen minutes into the 2nd Half, DU would strike again, this time coming off header from reigning 1st Team All-WHAC performer Ashley Phillips (Stevensville, MI) off a beautiful cross from Shayla Crossman (Hudsonville, MI).

DU would have a few more chances but could not get one by the Tech keeper and then with just less than 20 minutes remaining, the first goal of the season to find the back of the Panthers net cut the lead in half. The goal was also the time of an injury to DU keeper Kristen Haight. The Panthers quickly turned to freshman Carissa Quador to take her place but she was unable to stop a nice set up play from Illinois Tech in the 75th minute which tied the score at 2-2.

The two teams never really threatened in the overtime period with any serious scoring opportunities and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Davenport will take the field tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 CST when they take on Trinity International on the outskirts of Chicago.