As if facing the seven-time defending MIAA conference champion wasn’t enough, the Emporia State women’s soccer team found itself battling another force against No. 18 Truman on Saturday.
With gusts up to 50 miles an hour at the TRYSA Soccer Complex, winds also ended up playing a major factor in the Hornets’ 2-0 loss to the Bulldogs.
“I think we started out well, but I think we got frustrated with the wind a little bit and it took us out of our game,” ESU coach Jim Schneiderhahn said. “We can’t do that. We have to be much better in trying to do the things we’re trying to accomplish.”
Though both teams had to play in the conditions, Truman was able to adapt better, especially after taking an early lead.
Just four minutes in, Truman’s Jessica Wiegert made a run down the left side and found herself behind the ESU defense.
With few options left, Hornet defender Marcie Fundis tackled Wiegert from behind inside the box.
The referee called for a penalty kick, and seconds later Lauren Hawks found the left side of the net for a 1-0 Truman lead.
ESU struggled to find its offensive touch while trailing, especially with the blustery conditions.
The Hornets finished with only five shots as compared to the Bulldogs’ 23.
“I think it was a very difficult match with the wind,” Schneiderhahn said. “Whenever you’re playing against 45-, 50-mile-per-hour gusts, there’s going to be an effect to the game.”
Truman put it away for good in the second half.
Hawks scored her second goal in the 65th minute, side-stepping ESU keeper Megan Martin on the right side before shooting it into the left corner of the net.
The Bulldogs improved to 6-1 with the victory.
“Truman State’s an excellent team,” Schneiderhahn said. “They’re disciplined, fit, and they know how to play the game. They go hard into everything.”
Martin more than held her own, recording 10 saves to keep the Hornets competitive. That included an impressive save in the 38th minute, where she leaped high to punch an Isabel Gaeta shot over the crossbar.
ESU fell to 1-6 overall with the loss.
Schneiderhahn said his young team oftentimes made the game more complicated than it really was.
“It’s frustrating, but I see great things,” Schneiderhahn said. “To me, my frustration probably comes from that. We’ve got great players. We’ve got great kids. It’s just a matter of plugging it in together.”
ESU will play its third consecutive game at home on Wednesday, facing Avila at 6:30 p.m. at the TRYSA Soccer Complex.
F Jimmy Kegin contributed to this story.