Western Courier

Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Sports

Freshman defender/midfielder Katie Condon scored the game-winning goal against Oakland during the 84th minute. Nimitta Tamrakar/courier staff

The Western Illinois women's soccer team defeated Oakland 2-1 Sunday to clinch the fourth spot of the Summit League Tournament.

The Leathernecks escaped the first period with the score tied at zero. The Golden Grizzlies were unable to capitalize on eight of their scoring chances in the first half, which starkly contrasted with Western's four opportunities.

Junior midfielder Allison Smyth gave Western a 1-0 lead after she was fouled inside the box.

Smyth knocked in her penalty kick against sophomore goalkeeper Shannon Coley. Her attempt was called back, though, as Coley and Oakland head coach Nick O'Shea convinced the referees that Coley was not ready for Smyth's penalty kick.

After the referees reversed their initial call, Western head coach Tony Guinn rushed the field in disbelief.

Guinn received a red card and was ejected from the game for his actions against the referees' call.

"The opposing team's coach came out on the field, had a conversation with the referee and talked the referee into redoing the penalty kick after they had already blown the whistle, taken the shot, scored the goal," Guinn said. "The coach (O'Shea) came out on the field and said that his goalkeeper wasn't ready, but once the referee blows the whistle, it's an indication you are allowed to kick it and the keeper's ready."

However, Smyth made her second penalty kick attempt to her right side for the first score of the match.

The Golden Grizzlies responded during the 83rd minute with a penalty kick score by sophomore midfielder Sarah Lynch to tie the game at one.

But Western bounced back with a score by freshman defender/midfielder Katie Condon in the next minute.

"I was just in the right place at the right time," Condon said. "We were working hard the whole time and K.J. (Kellie Julius) had a good shot, but I was definitely there (to rebound and score)."

came through late in the second period to preserve the victory for the 'Necks. She finished the contest with four saves.

"I couldn't have done it without the team," Atkinson said. "If it wasn't for our amazing defense, we wouldn't be where we are today (Sunday)."

With Sunday's victory, Western advances to the Summit League Tournament hosted by South Dakota State this weekend. Only the top four teams qualify to compete in the conference's postseason.

"This school should be really proud of them and win their last four games in a row against really good teams," Guinn said. "To win them all, it's a good story."

The 'Necks will face off against No. 1 seed IUPUI this Friday at 3 p.m. at Brookings, S.D.

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