EVANSVILLE, Ind. - McKendree University women's soccer collected another victory on Sunday afternoon behind a two-goal effort. The Bearcats have won three-straight matches against USI.

The Bearcats opened its Great Lakes Valley Conference season in great form with a win over Southern Indiana, the team McKendree beat for the GLVC title in April of 2021. Defense was the headline of the match as both teams battled constantly for possession throughout. While offense was sparse, especially in comparison to the display by the Bearcats on September 8, McKendree out-shot the Eagles with eight total shots, with all eight on goal, compared to USI's six and five on-goal.

Sophomore midfielder Reagan Mauch fired four shots, recording half of the shots on-frame for McKendree and senior midfielder Emma Knoebel sent two on frame with one making it past the USI keeper. Knoebel recorded her third goal of the season, which gave the Bearcats the lead in minute 34. The Bearcat lead grew after halftime behind an insurance goal from sophomore midfielder Katie Spotanski in the 69th minute, it was the first goal of her career and went on the be the game-winner. Both goals for McKendree were unassisted. 

Goalkeeper Abby Tucker held the defensive half well with her back line throughout, only allowing six shots. Tucker saved four of the five that were on frame and only gave up the one late match goal to Southern Indiana. 

The late goal for USI came in the 86th minute, which cut the deficit to one goal for the Eagles but the 22nd-ranked Bearcats stayed collected, hanging on through the final horn. 

NOTES:
McKendree extended its unbeaten streak to seven matches, dating back to the 2021 spring season. 

The Bearcats have now won five-straight GLVC-openers, dating back to 2016 when they dropped a match to Truman State, 0-1.

Senior midfielder Emma Knoebel (Maryville, Ill.) recorded her third score of the year on Sunday. Knoebel lead McKendree in points, tallying seven points (3 goals, 1 assist) through four matches. 

The eventual game-winning goal for McKendree was knocked in by sophomore midfielder Katie Spotanski. The goal was the first of Spotanski's collegiate career. 

All eight of the Bearcats' shots against Southern Indiana were on-frame. Mauch led the offensive shot efforts with four on-frame, followed by Knoebel who had two on goal. 

UP NEXT:
McKendree women's soccer will be back in action on Friday, September 17 in Romeoville against Lewis. The Bearcats return to Leemon Field on September 19th against nationally-ranked UIndy. 

For more updates and information, please continue to visit McKBearcats.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

#BearcatsUnleashed