Women's soccer shut-out by Drake
Dan Jacobson
Issue date: 9/18/09 Section: Sports
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The Leathernecks controlled the ball at the beginning of the game but didn't come through on several shots, falling to Drake 1-0.
Western looked solid on defense, but the Bulldogs began to make a push halfway through the first half. Junior goalkeeper Meghan Tyk kept steady, though, making multiple saves to keep the score 0-0 after the first half.
As the second half began, the Bulldogs looked winded, giving Western many opportunities. The 'Necks kept control for the first 20 minutes of the second half.
"Thought we did a great job of possessing the ball," said head coach Tony Guinn. "We just haven't had anyone step up yet and say, 'I want to score the ball,' but possession was great."
As the second half continued, the Bulldogs caught a break as senior forward Crystal Townley scored from five yards out with just 20 minutes left.
The 'Necks could not respond with their own score against Drake's strong defense at the end of the second half.
Guinn once held a 14-1-2 record at home through his tenure as coach, but has added two losses to his home record at Western in the last three games this fall.
"Most teams have a lot of pride in (their home record), and it's really disappointing," Guinn said. "Unfortunately we are not doing any justice to the teams before us and what they've done at home."
The women have had trouble getting the offense started this year, averaging one goal per game.
Guinn is trying to get things started by shaking up the lineup and giving everyone a chance to prove themselves as leaders and scorers.
"There was a lot of good things to take from today, but we've tried up to 11 people to see who wants to be the person to carry us, and no one has stepped up."
The 'Necks have lost four of their last five matches against Drake dating back to 2002.
Looking ahead to the next game on Sunday, Sept. 20, the team will visit St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa for a two-game road trip next week.
"We look forward to getting on the road," Guinn said. "First time I've ever said that in my career at Western Illinois."
Western's next home match will be against Grand View on Sept. 26.
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