Illinois Wesleyan University Wins The Battle Of The Titans

Maureen McGrath scored early in the first half and Megan O'Neill midway through the second to give Illinois Wesleyan University a 2-0 victory over the UW-Oshkosh women's soccer team on Sunday (Sept. 22) at J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

McGrath gave the visiting Titans a 1-0 lead when she headed a corner kick off the foot of Cameron Hindel into the goal during the 14th minute (13:59) of play.

Illinois Wesleyan University held its one-goal advantage until O'Neal scored on a 10-yard kick during the contest's 62nd minute (61:18). O'Neal's goal followed a serve from Heather Dietrich.

UW-Oshkosh, which suffered just its first loss in four matches (2-1-1 record), was limited to just three shots by an Illinois Wesleyan University squad that compiled a 14-5-2 record last fall while advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Championship.

The host Titans (3-4-1) had shots from Ashley Baalke in the third minute, Delaney Karl in the 10th and Addie Schmitz in the 73rd all saved by Illinois Wesleyan University goalkeeper Maria Fields.

Illinois Wesleyan University totaled 18 shots in the match, including six from Ellie Crabtree, five from Caelyn Steffens and four from Hindel. McGrath and O'Neill scored on their only shot of the contest.

UW-Oshkosh goalkeeper Madelyn Runyan kept the host Titans within striking distance by saving five shots. UW-Oshkosh also had a team save.

Runyan stopped shots from Crabtree in the seventh, 15th, 29th and minute of action and Steffens in the fourth and sixth.

Illinois Wesleyan University earned 10 of the game's 11 corner kick opportunities.

UW-Oshkosh and Illinois Wesleyan University were meeting for the fourth time and the first since 2009. Both teams have won two games in the all-time series.

UW-Oshkosh completes its three-match homestand by hosting St. Norbert College on Wednesday (Sept. 25) at J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

Photo courtesy of Terri Cole