WSOC Rallies For 2-1 Win At St. Thomas

The Marquette University women's soccer team (3-2-1) opened its two-match road swing to the state of Minnesota with a 2-1 victory against St. Thomas (3-2-1) Thursday night on the road in non-conference action.

Marquette finished with an 11-2 advantage in corner kicks and outshot St. Thomas 10-6. The Golden Eagles posted a 3-0 victory over the Tommies on Sept. 12, 2021 at Valley Fields in the first meeting between the two programs.

Marquette controlled possession in the opening 45 minutes, collecting five corner kicks, but was unable to record a shot on goal against the St. Thomas defense.

The Tommies moved ahead 1-0 in the 47^th minute on a long-distance shot that snuck just under the crossbar from well outside the box.

Midfielder Isabella Cook knotted the score at 1-1 in the 61^st minute, finding the back of the net with a rocket strike from the top of the box after a failed clearance following the team's seventh corner kick. Just over five minutes later, senior Elizabeth Bueckers worked free in the box and beat the keeper near post from the right for her first score as a Golden Eagle.

"Playing a well-organized team on the road and falling behind in the second half isn't easy, but this team showed a willingness to stay composed," head coach Frank Pelaez said. "We did the things we have been working on the last month and I am proud of our no-quit attitude and ability to get the win."

Goalkeeper Chloe Olson was forced to make just a pair of saves, both in the first half, but there were some anxious moments in the closing moments as the Tommies pressed forward for the equalizer.

Olson made her second-straight start in net for MU and Molly Keiper, Josie Kelderman and Bueckers each made their respective first starts of the season on Thursday afternoon. The Golden Eagles have featured a different starting 11 in each of the first six matches.

Marquette returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. CT when the team travels to Minnesota.

Keep up with the Marquette University women's soccer team through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWSOC) and Instagram (@MarquetteWSOC) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWSOC).