Women’s soccer scores place in record books

September 17, 2008
By Michael Omenazu
Staff Writer

Last Tuesday, the scoreboard in Kiwanis Stadium indicated that history had been made. For a casual fan and uneducated onlooker it may have seemed to be one of the worst sporting losses ever, but it was actually significant
moment in the university’s ever-evolving history, as it was the first women’s soccer game in which UIS had ever participated.

Striker Jenna Neumann advances the ball against the Trojans on Saturday. Neumann scored the first goal for the program last Tuesday night, and scored again Saturday to cement the team’s 3-1 win over the Trojans.

The Prairie Stars opened the season against #25 McKendree, a UIS AMC rival with what UIS soccer coach, Pete Kowall called, “a rich tradition” and “very deep team.”

Playing on a chilly night, under bright stadium lights, the women had to face not only the pressure of game competition, but also the responsibility of setting precedent, as they became the first squad ever to take the field. Although they did not have experience on their side, they did have a supportive crowd behind them that included UIS men’s soccer players, spirit squad members working in concessions, fellow students, and Chancellor
Richard D. Ringeisen. Speaking on the game he noted that, “It is really exciting to start a new sport,” the tenth at UIS. About six minutes into
the game, McKendree got on the scoreboard as midfielder Sulyn Keomanivane punched a strong strike into the UIS net. The Bearcats remained relentless, repeatedly putting themselves into favorable positions, yet UIS resolve remained, not allowing the Bearcats to capitalize on what seemed to be certain scoring opportunities. As the Bearcats began
to dominate the ball and thus possession they began to pour in goals, scoring four times within the eight minutes between 23:00 and 31:00.

Despite an already large deficit, with less than ten minutes left in the first half, and sparked by an energetic crowd, UIS pushed forward and advanced deep into McKendree’s territory. Although the Stars were unable
to score on the goal, they demonstrated to fellow competition and all watching that it would only be a matter of time before the team’s hard work would bear fruit.

Starting the second half aggressively and determined, the Prairie Stars continued their attack. At the 65:33 mark, Jenna Neumann drove a twenty yard shot past all McKendree defenders and their goalkeeper to put both UIS on the board and herself in the history books, becoming the first player ever to record a goal in women’s soccer.

Upon the game’s completion, the scoreboard cleared away the 11-1 defeat that UIS had suffered, but the momentous occasion of the first women’s soccer game would be forever engraved into the university’s history.

The importance of the actions that took place was not lost upon captain Casey Thorpe who stressed that, “The team is going to stay positive because the outcome doesn’t portray what we did. We had seven to eight walk-ons and knew we had work to do.” Such work includes getting into shape and improving total fitness and the team is striving to be physically ready and game fit by the first of October. Defender Jessica Jaime supported this mindset by saying, “We also know to take it one game at a time and we’ll get them next time. Our goal is to remain undefeated for the rest of the season.”

On Saturday, September 13, the team had its next opportunity to achieve the goal Jamie previously outlined. Facing off against the Hannibal-LaGrange Trojans in an important American Midwest Conference showdown, UIS looked to build upon its strong play. At the 18:38 mark Jessica Jaime sent a cross which Beth Rayman headed into the goal.
Not content with having a one goal lead, UIS pushed forward and never looked back. At the 31:36 mark, Neumann advanced the ball from the midfield past all in her way and struck the ball into the back of the Trojan’s net. The Prarie Stars gave up a goal at the 63:33 mark, but made up for it as Casey Thorpe took advantage of a Hannibal mistake and scored on a cross from Neumann.

UIS finished the game with a 3-1 advantage and the program’s first ever victory. Coach Pete Kowall described the emotion of the first win in UIS women’s soccer history as “awesome, especially after a difficult loss to a very good McKendree team.” Discussing the difference between the opening game and the win, Kowall pointed out that “sometimes you have a good night and sometimes you don’t.” Also he added, “The girls had a better idea of what to do and they did it. We always have the goal of
winning every game and it’s good to see other kids buy in. They [Hannibal-LaGrange] had a lot of shots and we got lucky. Kelli is a solid keeper and good leader.”

It was UIS’ greatly improved defense and unyielding goalkeeping that contributed to the win. Playing organized and as a cohesive unit, the Prarie Stars were able to withstand being outshot 32-4 and a nine to zero deficit in corner kicks. Coach Nichol of Hannibal LaGrange noted that their game plan was to “score early because if [UIS] scored early on their home field, it would be tough to overcome.” He also complimented his opposing coaching staff saying, “Kowall did a great job of getting his kids ready to play.” The team’s impressive defense was balanced with a dazzling offensive performance highlighted by the strong play of Neumann, Rayman, and Thorpe. She maintained the similar sentiments of her coaching staff and fellow teammates affirming that the squad “has the potential to win
a lot more games.” Looking forward at the schedule, specifically with the
next game at McKendree, the team will continue to be challenged both by conference competition and inexperience as the season progresses.
However, they have already achieved a goal far greater in significance than any that can be scored on the field for their recent victory will make the
history books.