MONMOUTH, Illinois – The Prairie Fire women’s soccer team defeated the Monmouth Fighting Scots this afternoon by a final score of 1-0. The exciting win over Knox’s arch-rival keeps them undefeated in conference play and provides bragging rights for the season.
Knox began the game with their typical offensive prowess, with a shot by Alyx Farris in only the fourth minute of the game narrowly missing goal as it caromed off the crossbar. The Prairie Fire continued to out-hustle and pull away from the Fighting Scots throughout the half, as they put up eight shots to Monmouth’s three. Despite this, they struggled to finish their shots, as each side had only one shot directed on goal. With close attempts from Farris and others, Knox felt confident as they entered halftime, despite still being level.
Farris was rewarded for her efforts in the beginning of the second half, as she used a nice assist from Olivia Grierson to put away the game’s only goal. Monmouth’s tough task to try and score against the tough Prairie Fire defense became nigh impossible, as Brooklyn Deming and Michaela Thawley prevented any consistent possession for the Fighting Scots. Knox successfully held Monmouth to only two shots in the last 30 minutes and, despite a late corner kick scare, held on for the victory.
“It was an all around great team victory today versus a very tough Monmouth team,” said head coach Taylor Houck. “The fight in this squad is incredible. Everyone stepped up big time. We are looking forward to a good match against Grinnell this weekend.”
Knox looks to continue their run of success this Saturday at home against Grinnell College at 11:00 a.m.
