Freshman Anna Gracia—with help from senior Alyssa Xanos—scored the game-winning goal for Lake Forest women's soccer in their 1-0 victory against Lawrence University on Saturday.
The first half was a defensive battle between the two teams, and the score was 0-0 heading into the final 45 minutes of play.
The second half opened in dramatic fashion when Lawrence was awarded a penalty kick in the 51st minute. Their player missed wide. Off the resulting goal kick, the Foresters were able to get the ball down to the other side of the field quickly, but the shot on goal by Hiwa Brown missed off the post.
Gracia's goal was her fourth of the season. With just over eight minutes left on the clock, Xanos took a corner kick, which was blocked by a Viking defender, who headed it back up the field and to the sideline. Xanos was able to get the ball first. After out-maneuvering a defender, she kicked a pass across the field to Gracia, who was up in the box near the goal. Gracia's shot stayed on the ground and got passed the goalkeeper easily.
The Foresters played an aggressive offense and maintained possession for a majority of the second half. Even after they went up a goal, they continued to apply pressure on the Viking defense. Lake Forest outshot Lawrence 13-3, with eight of its shots coming in the second half.
Lake Forest is now 4-3-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Lawrence moves to 4-5 and 0-1.
The Foresters are back in action at home on Wednesday, September 28 when they play Ripon College at 4:30 p.m.
