LEBANON, Ill. | Leemon Field - McKendree University women's soccer (0-0-2) finished out its opening weekend of the regular season with another draw as the Bearcats tied 1-1 against Saginaw Valley State on Sunday afternoon. The Bearcats fought back from a disadvantage in the second half with junior midfielder Maggie Gleckler firing the lone McKendree score on the day. McKendree hits the road for its final non-conference contest as the Bearcats head to Union on Tuesday for a 2:00PM battle against the Bulldogs.

McKendree looked to find another quick start in game two of the regular season but hit a wall with a stingy Cardinals defense, totaling just three shots and one corner kick in the first 45 minutes. SVSU managed to sneak in a goal in the 42nd minute of action, taking a 1-0 advantage over the host Bearcats at the intermission period.

The second half saw McKendree turn up the pressure on the Cardinals, firing 11 shots with three corner kicks earned by the home squad. In the 58th minute, the Bearcats found a breakaway chance with junior forward Aubrey Andrews drawing the foul in the box, leading to a penalty kick opportunity. Gleckler was given the nod to take the penalty kick attempt, converting with a strong shot past the SVSU keeper. The game was knotted at 1-1 with the Bearcats holding strong with SVSU putting up only four shots in the second half while not earning a corner kick against the McKendree defense. 

The Bearcats and Cardinals finished out the contest locked up at 1-1, marking an unbeaten first weekend for McKendree. 

Junior goalkeeper Peyton Baker amassed six saves on the day, commanding the box versus a strong SVSU attack. Eight Bearcats tallied at least one shot with Gleckler firing five with two on-frame while sophomore forwards Maddie Mauch and Ella Rogan each sent two shots in the contest. 

SCORING
58th | #11 Maggie Gleckler - Penalty Kick (foul drawn by #14 Aubrey Andrews)

UP NEXT
Sept. 9 | 2:00PM @ Union (Tenn.) | Jackson, Tennessee - Smith Memorial Soccer Complex | Watch / Live Stats

ALL-TIME VERSUS UNION | 3-0-0 McK
9/11/2024 | W, 2-0 vs. Union | Leemon Field - Lebanon, Illinois
9/2/2016 | W, 2-1 vs. Union | Leemon Field - Lebanon, Illinois
9/7/2015 | W, 2-0 @ Union | Jackson, Tennessee

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