Western gains road victory at UMKC
Dan Jacobson
Issue date: 10/12/09 Section: Sports
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Sophomore midfielder Nora Potempa's goal in the 97th minute of the match gave Western its third victory in its last six games as the 'Necks improved their position in the Summit League.
"It was an incredible feeling to score that goal," Potempa said. "It was just huge to be able to give the team a lift in a conference match. It's really important to win matches in league-play so it felt really good."
UMKC took a 1-0 lead on Alyssa D'Egidio's goal early in the first half but Western responded with a goal of its own just five minutes later to even the score at 1-1.
The 'Necks scored when junior midfielder Ali Smith tallied a goal in the 56th minute to tie.
"UMKC played really well today," said Western Illinois head coach Tony Guinn. "It was a really hard-fought game, and we really had to earn the win out there today. Their goalkeeper was really good today. She had two or three really great saves and we had to play hard to win."
The 'Necks took 25 total shots to UMKC's eight and held a 10 to four advantage in shots on goal. Western took five corner kicks to UMKC's one and committed seven fouls to the Kangaroos' three.
The match remained scoreless until Potempa's goal in the first overtime period gave Western the win.
It was Potempa's second goal of the season and her first game-winner.
"I think this win will give us a lot of momentum moving forward," Potempa said. "We have a bunch of tough matches coming up and I'm just glad I could help us win today and gives some positive momentum heading in to those matches."
Western returns home for matches against South Dakota State and North Dakota State this weekend on Oct.16 and 18.
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