UNK women’s soccer kicked off conference play this weekend at Foster Field. It was a tough weekend, both physically and mentally, which resulted in two draws.
As the season continues, Coach Rob Breton is looking at what adjustments need to be made for the rest of the season.
“We’re not doing the last part that we need to, which is putting the ball in the back of the net,” Breton said.
The Lopers hosted Pittsburg State on Friday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but overall, Breton was impressed with how the team performed against a tough Pittsburg State team.
“They are a nationally ranked team, so it was a little nerve-racking,” said Madison Province, junior defender.
Pittsburg State came into the match 5-1. Breton knew what the team had to do to come out on top. Senior forward Hanna Schimmer scored UNK’s only goal in the 20th minute of the game.
“Coming out with us scoring first was a really good thing, but for them to turn around so quickly was also disappointing,” said Province.
Pittsburg State answered with a goal scored in the 27th minute to tie the game.
“We had to control the flow of pressure and how we wanted to play the game,” Breton said.
On Sunday, UNK welcomed Missouri Southern for another MIAA game. The match was fought tooth and nail to the end. Ultimately, neither team was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
Unfortunately, Schimmer came off the field in the 10th minute of the Missouri Southern game injured and did not return. Schimmer set the season goal record last year.
Both Pittsburg State and Missouri Southern came in very aggressively, and it was hard for the Lopers to capitalize on game-winning moments.
“We had a one-on-one moment, and it was disappointing for us to see how far we got and nothing happened in the end,” Province said.
With work to be done, Breton was happy with the defense and what the defense did for the team this weekend.
“I’m always happy with a clean sheet,” Breton said. “Very happy with the defense today, I think they made it really difficult for them (Missouri Southern).”
UNK moves to 2-3-2 on the season, with these two games being the first of conference play. Five of their next seven matches are on the road, starting with the Washburn Ichabods in Topeka, Kansas, at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, and then traveling to Warrensburg, Missouri, to face the Jennies of Central Missouri at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5.
