
Photo by: Zuzanna Gaik
Soccer Opens Conference Play With 2-1 Win Over Belmont
09/19/2025 | 11:53:00 | Women's Soccer
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Missouri Valley Conference play began Friday night for Southern Illinois soccer (7-1-2, 1-0-0), who played host to Belmont (2-3-4, 0-1-0). After being tied 1-1 at halftime, a second half goal propelled the Salukis to a 2-1 victory.
"Obviously when you start at home in the conference, it is important you come out with intensity; we did that," says head coach Graeme Orr. "Obviously disappointed tied 1-1 at halftime and we let in a soft goal, but it gives us an opportunity at halftime to regroup, commit to passing the ball, commit to playing our game. Nao starts off a very good attack with good composure, we get a switch out, and then Sophie puts in a fantastic finish. So really happy to get the three points and now the kids get a really deserved couple of days off so they can enjoy the weekend, and we will regroup. There is going to be massive battles in this league and every game you have to come prepared to do that."
Inside the Box Score
How It Happened
First Half
SIU came out firing, putting six shots up in the first 10 minutes, five of which reached goal but failed to cross the goaline. Following another three shots by Southern, the Salukis finally broke through 30 minutes in when Haycock finished a play started by Nadda, scored the opening goal, and gave SIU a 1-0 lead.
However, their lead only stood for 12 minutes when a Belmont shot trickled past the SIU defense and goalkeeper, tying the game 1-1. No offense was to be found for the remaining three minutes of the half, sending the teams into the break even at one.
Second Half
The Salukis put a pair of shots on goal in the first seven minutes of the second half, but Belmont's keeper stood tall to keep the score knotted up. Belmont was able to generate of two shots-on-goal over the next eight minutes, but Lily Murray stopped both shots for the Salukis.
Following another six minutes of sustained pressure by the Bruins, SIU found the tiebreaking goal at the 66:16 mark when Schlicklin potted her second goal of the season, putting Southern on top 2-1. Belmont failed to generate another decent scoring chance for the remainder of the game, leading to a 2-1 win for the Salukis.
Up Next
The Salukis can now enjoy some time off before conference play resumes on Thursday, Sept. 25, when they host Evansville at 6 p.m.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Soccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoccer and on Instagram at @SIU_Soccer. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
"Obviously when you start at home in the conference, it is important you come out with intensity; we did that," says head coach Graeme Orr. "Obviously disappointed tied 1-1 at halftime and we let in a soft goal, but it gives us an opportunity at halftime to regroup, commit to passing the ball, commit to playing our game. Nao starts off a very good attack with good composure, we get a switch out, and then Sophie puts in a fantastic finish. So really happy to get the three points and now the kids get a really deserved couple of days off so they can enjoy the weekend, and we will regroup. There is going to be massive battles in this league and every game you have to come prepared to do that."
Inside the Box Score
- Sophia Schlicklin and Aylie Haycock provided SIU's two goals.
- Dana Nadda had an assist on both Saluki goals, and Haycock added one as well.
- Southern dominated Belmont in the shots category, outshooting the Bruins 21-7 while putting 12 shots on goal.
How It Happened
First Half
SIU came out firing, putting six shots up in the first 10 minutes, five of which reached goal but failed to cross the goaline. Following another three shots by Southern, the Salukis finally broke through 30 minutes in when Haycock finished a play started by Nadda, scored the opening goal, and gave SIU a 1-0 lead.
However, their lead only stood for 12 minutes when a Belmont shot trickled past the SIU defense and goalkeeper, tying the game 1-1. No offense was to be found for the remaining three minutes of the half, sending the teams into the break even at one.
Second Half
The Salukis put a pair of shots on goal in the first seven minutes of the second half, but Belmont's keeper stood tall to keep the score knotted up. Belmont was able to generate of two shots-on-goal over the next eight minutes, but Lily Murray stopped both shots for the Salukis.
Following another six minutes of sustained pressure by the Bruins, SIU found the tiebreaking goal at the 66:16 mark when Schlicklin potted her second goal of the season, putting Southern on top 2-1. Belmont failed to generate another decent scoring chance for the remainder of the game, leading to a 2-1 win for the Salukis.
Up Next
The Salukis can now enjoy some time off before conference play resumes on Thursday, Sept. 25, when they host Evansville at 6 p.m.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Soccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoccer and on Instagram at @SIU_Soccer. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Team Stats
BEL
SIU
Goals
1
2
Shots
7
21
Shots on Goal
3
12
Saves
8
2
Corners
1
7
Fouls
11
7
Scoring Plays

Aylie Haycock (3)
Assisted By: Dana Nadda
GOAL by SIU Haycock, Aylie Assist by Nadda, Dana.
30:15

Maggie Gawrych (1)
Assisted By: Olivia Walker , Megan Miller
GOAL by BEL Gawrych, Maggie Assist by Walker, Olivia and Miller, Megan.
42:18

Sophia Schlicklin (2)
Assisted By: Dana Nadda , Aylie Haycock
GOAL by SIU Schlicklin, Sophia Assist by Nadda, Dana and Haycock, Aylie.
66:16
Game Leaders
Players
Players Mentioned
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