COLORADO SPRINGS — Abby Opperman stopped a penalty kick late in the first half and Abby Hubbard struck for the game-winning goal with a little more than 15 minutes to play to lift the Colorado College women’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Southern Illinois University on Sunday afternoon at Washburn Field.
Despite being outshot 11-3 during the first half, the Salukis had a chance to break through in the 40th minute when they were awarded a shot from the spot, but Opperman sprang high to her left to deny a blast from Paityn Schneider aimed for the upper right corner.
Thanks to big saves from Opperman and SIU’s Dariana Mihalache, as well as a couple of shots the Tigers banged off the frame during the first half, the contest remained deadlocked through 74 minutes.
However, with 15:36 remaining in regulation, Hubbard launched a free kick from 32 yards out on the left side that curled inside the near post. It was the sophomore forward’s first goal of the season and proved to be the second game winner of her career.
Less than three minutes later, Hubbard lined up a free kick on the opposite side of the field, but this time drove the blistering shot off the left post.
Fortunately for the Tigers, the rebound went directly to Jenna Wilt at the edge of the six-yard box, and the junior midfielder calmly took a touch and slotted a shot into the left side of the net.
The Colorado College defense did not allow a shot during the final 13 minutes and Opperman finished with four saves to complete their second clean sheet of the season.
Colorado College Standouts
Hubbard had a goal and an assist in the same game for the first time in her career.
Wilt has at least one point in all five home games.
Opperman lowered her goals-against average to 0.67 and improved her saves percentage to .833.
Southern Illinois Standouts
Mihalache finished with six saves for the Salukis.
Schneider and Maya Warrior launched two shots apiece for SIU.
Notes
Colorado College completed the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 5-1-0 record.
The Tigers improved to 5-0 at home and has outscored their opponents 14-3 in those games.
CC is 13-1-1 in its last 15 games at Washburn Field.
Next for the Tigers
Colorado College begins Mountain West play next weekend when San Jose State and Fresno State visit Washburn Field on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
