In IPFW’s sole exhibition match of the 2015 season, the Mastodon women’s soccer team and the UIC Flames played to a 0-0 draw over the entirety of the 90-minute contest.

"I thought it was a great defensive effort," said IPFW head coach Jason Burr. "The team was extremely organized considering we have only trained for a week and a half, and only having four key players out in this game, which limited substitutions. I am really excited about the defensive effort we saw today, and we know that we can not only build on that, but also to build on become a more attacking-minded team, and take better of possession of the ball. I am excited of the work rate, and defensive effort today."

Senior forward Rachel Good put a shot on goal in the 10th minute of the game, her first of a team-high five total shots; however, it was saved by UIC keeper Kelly Fritz. IPFW keeper Kiley Dunning made two saves in 45 minutes of action, including the middle of three shots peppered on goal midway through the first half.

IPFW threatened to start the second half as IPFW got shots from Good and Erin Gill that missed wide right and high. The Mastodons received a bit of good luck in the second half when a shot by Jennifer Saviski hit the crossbar. In all, Haley Lydon – who played the entire second half – had three saves, while also keeping a clean slate.

For the game, UIC out-shoot IPFW 22-to-9, as Mayson Whitman had two shots, and one each from Gill and Tessa Edwards. UIC also had seven corner kicks to IPFW’s one.

"I think a lot the upcoming preparation will be to continue to build up the legs of the players," said Burr. "We looked fatigued midway through the first half. We had a little more energy in the second half, but it was the middle third – a 20-25 minute period – where they had us on our heels and we looked really tired. We also want to find ways to become a little more dangerous in the attacking half of the field, and that will be a big piece of this weeks’ training."

The Mastodons kick off the 2015 regular season on Friday, August 21, when the team travels to Highland Heights, Kentucky, to take on the Northern Kentucky University Norse in a 7 p.m. kick-off.

~ Feel the Rumble ~