Karloff's Goal Sends Roos Over Leathernecks

Friday, February 26

Quincy, IL

4:00 PM

Kansas City

3-3-0, 3-2-0

Western Illinois University

0-5-0, 0-5-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Kansas City	0	1	1
Western Ill.	0	0	0

Karloff's Goal Sends Roos Over Leathernecks

2/26/2021 8:20:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Final Box

Defense leads to offensive push in 1-0 victory

QUINCY, Ill. – Kansas City Women's Soccer (3-3-0, 3-2-0) continues to knock down their conference opponents in the opening games of the two-game series. The Roos edged one past the Leathernecks goalie to 74^th minute of play to outlast Western Illinois (0-5-0, 0-5-0) in a 1-0 finish.

"We have been adjusting to the physicality of our league, so we know that was key for us today," Head Coach Jess Smith said. "We didn't back off of anything today and it really allowed us to gain the confidence we needed to play our game."

The Roos showed physicality on both sides of the ball in the match. Kansas City knew it would favor their offense if they remained poised and persistent. Back and forth play without stoppage held the game scoreless until the Roos made their move halfway through the second period.

"Sarah came off the bench with the energy that we needed and impacted the game immediately," Smith expressed. "She made a great run and had a composed finish to give us the lead."

Just six minutes after entering the game, Sarah Karloff took a ball from Anna Jennings and drove it past Western Illinois' keeper to gain the lead. The Roos held the lead until the end after a last-minute prayer shot by the Leathernecks at 86' was saved by Mackenzie Caldwell. Freshman keeper Caldwell ended with four saves and the first shutout of her career.

"We defended well all over the field today with a sense of urgency," Smith said. "We didn't give up many corners or chances in the run of play. I am happy with how organized we were without the ball."

Madison Zurmuehlen and Mollie Plas attempted their shot at the back of the net in the first half but couldn't quite knock it past the Leatherneck keeper. Emily Jensen attempted to be the one to break the tie in the second half but another save by the Leathernecks kept the match equal. After the lead was gained by the Roos, Emma Wilson tried to extend the lead and give the Roos some insurance, but the one-goal lead stood to be the only score of the game.

Kansas City will complete their series against Western Illinois on Sunday at 1 p.m. Follow @KCRoosWSoccer and visit KCRoos.com for news, updates, and highlights.