Women's Soccer notches 10th win of 2023

Women's Soccer picked up a key home win Friday night.

The No. 25 Ravens defeated the Mount Mercy University Mustangs, 1-0, earning their 10^th win of the season.

The Ravens held most of the possession through the 90 minutes of play, out shooting the Mustangs 20-3, but for most of the evening the teams were tied 0-0. It took hard work and a little good fortune to notch one on the scoreboard.

The Ravens finally broke through with just over 10 minutes to play when Christine Znidarsic dribbled down the left side and sent a dangerous cross into the box. The Mustangs defender deflected the ball into her own goal to give the Ravens a 1-0 lead.

That goal stood tall as the Ravens continued to control possession in the final moments to seal the victory.

The Ravens created most of the scoring chances in the first half, as well. The first chance came on a corner kick when Caysi Brown put a header towards goal, but it was blocked by a Mustangs defender.

Later in the first half, Znidarsic did beat the MMU keeper, but the Ravens were whistled for a foul just prior to the shot.

With 2 minutes left in the half, Brook Hatzmann made a run towards goal and connected with a cross in the box, but her shot sailed high of the cross bar.

In the second half, Sam Mausbach nearly gave the Ravens their first goal a minute before the own goal, but her chip of the keeper deflected off the cross bar.

In goal for the Ravens, Mackenzie Korzenecki saved both shots the Mustangs put on goal in the game, which both came in the first half.

The win comes after the Ravens (10-2-4, 5-1-3 Heart) entered the NAIA Top 25 for the first time this season, and the first time since September 2022. The Ravens will look for another win, this time on the road, when they travel to Park University on Wednesday, Oct. 25.