Goal in OT lifts women’s soccer to victory

Freshman Mackenzie Fuller scored the game-winner Sunday versus Loyola. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The women’s soccer team (2-9-0) returns to Horizon League action Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. match against Detroit at Flames Field.

The Flames notched their second program victory Sunday in a 1-0 overtime thriller against Loyola (4-8-0) at home.

Freshman Mackenzie Fuller netted the game-winner and the first of her collegiate career in the Flames’ triumph.

“We put together two great halves of soccer,” head coach Brian Rigby said. “Our girls fought tooth and nail the entire match and deserved the victory. Fuller stepped up big with a great play in crunch time to give us the win.”

Sunday’s game was a defensive battle, but UIC came out on top to earn its second program victory as well as its second shutout victory on the season. Freshman goalkeeper Kelly Fritz got the start in the net and saved three en route to her second shutout of the season.

UIC had several scoring chances late in the game, including a breakaway shot by freshman Olivia Everin at the 87:45 mark that sailed just inches over the top crossbar. Freshman Emily Wauer had a close call in overtime at the 96:33 mark, but the kick was scooped up by Rambler goalie Monica Gonyo.

Fuller proved to be the difference-maker as she dribbled the ball past the Loyola defender and took a shot from the top of the 18-yard box at the 99:22 mark. Fuller ended the afternoon with three shots, two reaching the goal. She now stands second on the team for shots with 15.

UIC outshot Loyola, 15-7, and had nine shots reach goal compared to the Ramblers’ three.