Concordia University Chicago scored twice in each half and the Lakeland women's soccer team was defeated 4-0 Saturday afternoon on a hot and humid day at Taylor Field.
The Muskies lost for the first time in four matches at home and dropped to 3-5 overall and 0-2 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. The Cougars defeated Lakeland for the seventh straight year and improved to 2-5-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Concordia kept the pressure on throughout the contest, with 25 different players taking the field, well more than the Muskies' active roster of 15 available to play in the nearly 90-degree heat. The Cougars outshot Lakeland 23-6 and held possession much of the match, a formula that took a toll on the hosts.
The Muskies defense helped goalkeeper
Grace Daehling (
Fr.-Sun Prairie, Wis.) keep CUC off the board for the first 27 minutes, taking an active role in preventing goals.
Becca Giessen (
Sr.-West Bend, Wis.) cleared one shot off the goal line and fellow defender
Rachel Wilson (
Fr.-Gilbert, Ariz.) cleared away two more, all in the first 23 minutes 10 seconds of the match.
The Cougars broke through in the 28th minute when reserve Cecilia Kochanek stole the ball away in the Muskies' defensive end and got it to Sarah LaCost, who fired from 23 yards out past Daehling to open the scoring.
Concordia's depth paid off again when a trio of players off the bench teamed up, with Samantha Wozniak passing back to Maci Killman, whose shot was deflected and went to Janette Moreno, who deposited the rebound for her first goal of the season at 37 minutes 57 seconds.
The Cougars added two more goals in the second half, with LaCost passing through the defense ahead to Katie Biga, who converted a one-on-one opportunity in the 63rd minute and yet another reserve contributing as Alexis Jones booted in a corner kick by Kayla Kreher at 75:00 of the match.
Daehling made eight saves in goal, while
Hope Cerney (
Fr.-Green Bay, Wis.) led the offensive attack with two shot attempts.
The Muskies are next on the road Wednesday when they travel to face Marian University in Fond du Lac for a 7 p.m. kick.
