Photo: File photo
Coming off a successful trip to Arizona, the Bulldogs could not capitalize on a two-game home stand and instead came out with a pair of tight 1-0 losses.
The Bulldogs are now 2-3-1 on the season.
Last Friday, Drake took on South Dakota State in a highly contested match. Both squads got plenty of shots on goal, with the Jackrabbits owning a 14-10 shots on goal advantage through regulation.
After both teams failed to break the deadlock, the game headed into overtime where South Dakota State quickly seized control.
Stephanie Berube found the back at the net at the 98:21 mark to give the Jackrabbits the golden goal and hand Drake its first loss of this home stand. Drake was outshot 17-11.
“Once again we put ourselves in a position to win the game, but tonight (Friday) we didn’t convert these chances into shots on goal,” head coach Lindsey Horner said in a Drake athletics press release.
Sophomore Kalena Litch had another solid performance for the Bulldogs, hauling in 10 saves.
“Kalena (Litch) again made a career-high 10 saves, which is an indication we are giving up too many shots,” Horner said.
Junior Laura Moklestad and sophomore Paige Dusek recorded two shots each to lead the team.
On Sunday, the Bulldogs squared off against Western Illinois to complete the home stand.
For most of the game Drake dominated possession and posted a 9-6 shot advantage in the game.
However, with less than four minutes to go in regulation, Katie Condon kicked in the winning goal for Western Illinois, handing Drake its second consecutive loss.
“Today’s (Sunday) result is frustrating as we dominated in possession; however, you have to give credit to Western Illinois for being more physical and converting their best chance,” Horner said in another release.
The winning goal came off a corner kick, something the Bulldogs worked on leading up to the game.
“We knew going into the game they were dangerous on corner kicks, so we worked hard to avoid awarding them corner kicks,” said senior Melanie Fielder. “Unfortunately they were able to capitalize late in the game off a corner.”
Senior Danielle Figliola came close to scoring when her shot hit the post at the 55:39 mark.
Scoring continues to be a huge concern for the Bulldogs. Drake has not scored a goal in the last 213 minutes.
“We need some attacking players to emerge as the one who wants to take over the game in the final third,” Horner said.
Drake will return to action today (Sept. 8) to take on Missouri-Kansas City on the road.
“We have to play and compete for a full 90 (minutes) if we want results,” Fielder said. “Two mistakes resulted in two goals over the weekend, but that’s soccer. The better team doesn’t always win. The desire to win and compete is there, there is no doubt of that.”
