McLean County Times

In its opening match of the Midwest Tournament, the Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team was defeated by Wartburg College with a score of 2-0 on Saturday, September 7. This result left the Titans with a record of 0-3 for the season, while Wartburg secured its first win, moving to 1-2.

The match between the Green and White and the Knights was fairly balanced in terms of play. The Titans trailed in shots, recording 11 compared to Wartburg's 15. However, they had an advantage in corner kicks with seven against Wartburg's four. Both teams made seven saves each during the game.

During the first half, Wartburg led with nine shots against Illinois Wesleyan University's five. Despite this, IWU had more corner kick opportunities at 4-2. Freshman goalkeeper Grace Kiewiet from Leawood, Kansas managed five saves in the first half and added another save in the second half.

Sami Webster from Wartburg scored in the 13th minute with a shot that reached the top left corner beyond Kiewiet's reach, giving her team a lead they maintained into halftime.

In an attempt to equalize early in the second half, freshman Keira Robinson from Bloomington tried a shot following a corner kick opportunity but was thwarted by Wartburg's goalkeeper.

Wartburg extended their lead in the 68th minute when Natalie Theisfeld maneuvered past Illinois Wesleyan's defense and scored with a cross-shot to secure a two-goal advantage.

With only three minutes remaining in regulation time, freshman Ellen Dahlquist from Peoria attempted to set up a pass for IWU’s front line but it was intercepted by Wartburg’s goalie before any execution could occur.

Illinois Wesleyan University is scheduled to face No. 7 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Sunday, September 8 as part of their two-game Midwest Tournament weekend. The match will take place at West Campus Field in River Forest at noon. Fans can follow live stats and stream through iwusports.com on their women's soccer schedule page.