(Ann Arbor, MI) Concordia Women's Soccer returned to their home pitch for a Wednesday afternoon clash against WHAC newcomers, Defiance College. The Cardinals went up early on the Yellow Jackets and held on to their lead to secure their first win of the season.
Katelyn Aiello scored a pair with Ambryn Diener tacking on the insurance goal for Concordia. Hayley Jacobson finished the game with 10 saves.
The Cardinals got things going just over five minutes into the game when Katelyn Aiello found some open space outside of the 18-yard box and lifted a shot past the Yellow Jacket keeper to the far post. Not long after, Aiello made it a brace with a goal after a loose ball following a Cardinal throw-in in their attacking third. Defiance forced Hayley Jacobson to come off her line a few times, but on each occurrence the Cardinal goalkeeper was able to stop the Yellow Jackets in their track. With under a minute remaining, a Yellow Jacket attacker was able to get in behind the defense, but Katelyn Aiello tracked all the way back and made a slide tackle to prevent Defiance from getting a shot from the opportunity, and keeping the Cardinal lead at 2-0 at the half.
Concordia had another opportunity fifteen minutes into the second half when Aiello pinged a shot off of the crossbar and Nicole Koops nearly put in the second chance effort. The Cards were able to add to their lead later in the half after Isabella Elsey connected with Ambryn Diener who made a late run into the box to tuck the ball into the net and make it a three-goal advantage. Defiance broke the shutout late in the half when Chloe Kern was able to poke in a failed clear from Concordia. Despite the Yellow Jackets' best efforts to pull their way back in to the game, the Cardinal defense held firm to cement the 3-1 victory in the end.
The Cardinals will be off this week before hitting the road next Wednesday, October 16th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at Wildcat Stadium in Sylvania, Ohio.
