The Wayne State women’s soccer team won their second straight game, overcoming cold and wet conditions and scoring early in overtime behind the foot of Sophie Ketchmark for a 1-0 win at Upper Iowa.
the two teams played a scoreless 90 minutes with few chances on either side. The Peacocks nearly broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, but were denied through a clean save from Alyssa Bagley at the back post. Wayne State nearly responded with a chance of their own only two minutes later. A cross into the box found the head of Rylie Wehner as she beat her defender to the ball, sending it inches wide of the post.
In an increasingly contested and physical second half, it was the defense of both sides that made their mark on the game. Only three shots were recorded in the second half (2-1 in favor of the Wildcats), with each keeper earning a save. Wayne State caused seven fouls while being on the receiving end of eight whistles in the second.
Playing their fifth overtime game of the season, the Wildcats ended the period almost as soon as it began. Alexis Strothers stepped over the free kick after a Peacock foul. Wehner provided the slightest of touches as the keeper did well to come out and make the first save. The rebound fell kindly to the Wildcats, falling at the feet of Ketchmark as she made no mistake tapping it in for her second goal of the season. Wehner’s touch gave her an assist, her first of the year.
The win marks the first overtime victory since 2016, when Wayne State knocked off Northern State in a 3-2 2OT contest, and was also the first-ever win for the Wildcats at Upper Iowa.
“I thought the team fought hard together,” said head coach Joe Cleary. “As long as we continue to do that, we can play with anyone.”
Five players for the Wildcats tallied a shot, while Wehner, Ketchmark and Megan Phillips all had a shot on goal. Bagley recorded four saves in the win, earning her second straight clean sheet and her fourth of the year.
Wayne State (3-6-1, 3-4-1 NSIC) continue their road weekend Sunday as they take on Winona State at 1 p.m.
