The OVC champions Lindenwood women’s soccer team faced the seven-time Atlantic 10 Women’s Conference champions, St. Louis University, on Sunday, March 30, in the second game of the spring season.
From the very start, the match was intense. St. Louis found the net in the tenth minute, taking a 1-0 lead. A Billikens player struck the ball, which ricocheted off the bottom of the crossbar, and the Lions thought they had cleared it just before it crossed the goal line.
However, Lindenwood did not give up; the Lions fought hard, keeping the contest close as both teams shifted between offense and defense. The Lions had a great opportunity in the first half when Freshman Mackenzie Compton received a long pass and scored the equalizer in the twenty-first minute, keeping Lindenwood in the game. The match remained tight and physical, and neither team could score again before halftime, leaving the score deadlocked.
At halftime, the teams went to their respective locker rooms when heavy rain, high winds, a drop in temperature, and lightning struck the St. Charles area. The game was delayed due to weather, but it became apparent that the storms were not going to subside anytime soon. As a result, both teams decided to call off the game; however, they agreed to reschedule the remainder of the second half for Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m.
When that Tuesday night arrived, both teams were eager to finish the game. The Billikens began the second half with the majority of possession, but the Lions focused on defensive counterattacks whenever possible. The Billikens struggled to get any shots on goal, which played to the Lions’ advantage. During one such counterattack, freshman Maddy Vasiloff received a through ball and skillfully confronted both the keeper and a Billiken defender, scoring a goal that put the Lions ahead 2-1.
From that point on, the game featured strong defensive plays from the Lions as they sought to maintain their lead. The Billikens created a few close chances, but sophomore goalie Jordan Hollingsworth made some incredible saves, ensuring a clean sheet for the Lions in the second half. As the final buzzer sounded, the Lindenwood Lions emerged victorious, defeating the Billikens 2-1 at home and starting their spring season with two wins.
Next, the Lions will head on the road to face the University of Evansville on April 5 for their third game of the spring season. They will then return home for their final spring game against Missouri S&T on April 27 at 3 p.m., to be held at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium.
