Southern Illinois University
0-0-1, 0-0-0
Southeast Missouri State University
0-0-1, 0-0-0
SIU and SEMO Draw in First Exhibition
08/11/2021 | 9:36:00 | Women's Soccer
CARBONDALE, Illinois – The Saluki Women's Soccer team kicked off the 2021 season and exhibition play Wednesday night with a matchup against Southeast Missouri State. The Salukis recorded a 1-1 draw against the Redhawks in front of a home crowd at Lew Hartzog Track & Field Complex.
The Salukis wasted no time getting in the scoring column with a penalty kick goal by sophomore Ashlyn Henrie in the 5th minute. Henrie was fouled by a Redhawk defender on the right wing just inside the 18 yard box, allowing the Salukis the first goal scoring opportunity of the match. Southern was able to hold onto the one goal lead after one half. After halftime, the Redhawks got the equalizer with a goal by senior Lauren Welker. The SEMO midfielder put a shot back post, just over the outstretched hands of Saluki freshman keeper Ary Lougher, who started the second half.
"Today, anybody who was here saw a big step for our program," head coach Grant Williams said. "When we've conceded in the past we have been a team that hasn't responded very well. We conceded a goal really early in the second half, and our team responded. At times you have to bend and not break; I think we did that tonight. We certainly grew in the second half. That's a very good team that was 7-4-1 last year in the Ohio Valley Conference. Our kids put in a really good shift; I'm very proud of them."
The Salukis gained valuable experience in their first action of the 2021 season. A total of 20 players saw the field, including all five freshmen.
"Exhibitions are a way to give them an opportunity to play someone else. We knew that it would come fast. You have to give them a taste of what college soccer is like, you have to remind those who are returners. All the freshman got a chance to play, they now know what to expect as well. From a health standpoint, everybody's healthy, we got out of tonight exactly what we needed."
The Salukis return to action on Friday, August 13 at 1 PM against Illinois-Chicago at Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. This will be the last home exhibition match before the Dawgs travel to Belmont on Sunday to close out exhibition play.
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Team Stats
Ashlyn Henrie (1)
GOAL by SIU Henrie, Ashlyn.
04:26
Lauren Welker (1)
GOAL by SEMO Welker, Lauren.
47:02
