Sabre women’s soccer unable to hold early lead against Carthage

1	2	F
Marian (WI)	2	0	2
Carthage	2	2	4

Marian University women’s soccer (3-8-2, 1-5-0 NACC) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but was unable to hold off a Carthage comeback, falling 4-2.

Carthage started strong, taking the first shot of the game just 35 seconds into the match and continuing to apply pressure, but the Sabre defense held strong and kept the Firebirds off the board.
Marian recorded its first shot in the 12th minute before a failed Carthage clear attempt resulted in an own goal at 17:08, giving the Sabres a 1-0 lead.
The Sabres continued to build momentum at 23:43 when Sophia Romo found the back of the net off of an assist from Emily Gordillo, extending the Marian advantage to 2-0.
Carthage responded at the 31:24 mark with its first goal of the match, cutting the Sabre lead to 2-1.
The Firebirds continued to apply pressure and scored again at 38:57, sending the match into halftime tied at 2-2.
Carthage carried its momentum into the second half, scoring just 1:26 after the break to take its first lead of the match at 3-2.
The score remained 3-2 for much of the second half before the Firebirds added their final goal at 81:45 to extend their advantage to 4-2.
Marian continued to battle until the final whistle, putting three shots on goal in the final 10 minutes, but was unable to complete the comeback as Carthage held on for the 4-2 victory.

Carthage held a 19-10 advantage in total shots.
The Firebirds held a narrow 9-6 advantage in shots on goal.
Carthage earned six corner kicks compared to two for Marian.
The Sabres committed just nine fouls compared to 12 from the Firebirds.
Marian increased its offensive pressure in the second half, recording six shots compared to four in the opening half.
Marian is now 0-4-1 all-time against the Firebirds.

	Sophia Romo scored the lone player-attributed goal for Marian, finding the back of the net in the 24th minute.
	Cristal Muniz (3-8-2) made six saves in the opening half of the game.
	Emily Gordillo recorded an assist and added a shot on goal of her own.