The St. Thomas women’s soccer team fell short to University of Nebraska-Omaha due to an early corner kick goal 12 minutes into the game by first-year forward Marissa Gohr leaving the score 1-0 Sunday at South Field.
Bleachers were packed for the Tommies’ (2-9-1, 0-4 Summit) as they took on the Mavericks (5-5-2, 2-1 Summit) in their second home game of the week, after being on the road for four weeks.
“It’s fantastic being at home with five road games in a row, that was really tough,” coach Sheila McGill said. “I think we were able to raise our level of game because we were in front of our fans and that’s something really valuable.”
The Tommies defense held up against the Mavericks aggressive offense but McGill said they have to get better at creating scoring opportunities going forward.
Both teams saw a high number of fouls with Omaha receiving nine and St. Thomas taking 11. Two yellow cards were given to Tommie’s junior defenseman Shannon McWilliams and first-year forward Lexi Huber.
“It was a direct and physical game,” McGill said. “Overall, our defensive unit played really well and OJ (Olivia Graupmann) came up with some big saves and big moments especially with all those corner kicks.”
Omaha’s attacking gameplay led to seven corner kick opportunities keeping the Tommies pushed back into their own zone.
McGill credits junior defenseman Audrey Vidmar for playing strong in the backline and keeping the Mavericks from scoring.
“We battled hard,” Vidmar said. “I think we just struggled a little at the beginning to adjust with their direct play, but by the second half we were attacking better, but just couldn’t get them.”
The Tommies have been short by one goal in five games this season and Vidmar says it is just the little details that need improving.
“I think each game we are doing better, getting to know each other and how we play as a team.”
St. Thomas will host the University of Western Illinois for another home game Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.
Olivia Paradise can be reached at para4336@stthomas.edu