The Knox Prairie Fire women’s soccer team defeated the Monmouth College Fighting Scots away this Wednesday afternoon, winning by a final score of 1-0. With the victory, their third shutout in a row and their fourth in their last five games, the Prairie Fire edge closer to a .500 record, sitting at 5-6-1 on the season.
Lydia Mitchell got the game off to a dream start for Knox, scoring the game’s first goal after only 43 seconds. Smooth dribbling and incredible field vision proved to be the difference, as her ninth goal of the season put Monmouth on their back foot immediately. Mitchell and the rest of the offense continued to hammer the Fighting Scot defense, outshooting them 8-4 and running laps around Monmouth in the process. Knox’s defense proved to be outstanding in their own right, being led by Carina Escobar in goal and having very few shaky moments in general. As a result, Knox entered the half maintaining their one goal lead.
The second half slowed down considerably, with both teams having expended a lot of energy already. The Prairie Fire still got several threatening runs on goal, but were thwarted by Monmouth’s defense at the end of all of them. On the other side, the Fighting Scots could not make much of an offensive impact, either, until the last 10 minutes. Escobar made a sensational save in the 86th minute, and Knox was saved by the woodwork multiple times, as well. Fans were able to let out a collective sigh of relief, however, as the final whistle blew with Knox still on top.
“We had a solid outcome today,” said head coach Taylor Houck. “Although we did not play our best, we got the job done and we are happy with the win. We look forward to getting back to it this week at practice in preparation for our game this weekend.”
The Prairie Fire seek to win their 4th game in a row in conference play when they travel to Lawrence University this Saturday at 11 a.m.
***Report Courtesy of the Knox Prairie Fire***
