MARSHALL, Minn. – Goals by Megan Searson and Caylin Cathey knocked a gorilla off the back of the University of Mary women's soccer team as the Marauders earned a 2-1 win at Southwest Minnesota State University. The victory was the first of the season for the Marauders as U-Mary wrapped up a six game road trip.
 
"It was a great team effort to come from behind and put behind us how things have started off so far this season," said Marauders head coach Sarah Cook. "I am very proud of the girls. It was good to see them rewarded as they have been playing so well and working so hard. This is the start of our new season and we are excited to be back home next weekend!"
 
After suffering a heart wrenching loss the day before on a golden goal in double overtime, today's game started disastrously for the Marauders (1-5-1 overall / 1-4-0 NSIC). The Mustangs (2-5-1 / 2-3-0)broke swiftly downfield with the kickoff and crashed through the middle of the Marauders defense. Miranda Cadena knocked the ball home for her first goal of the season just a scant 28 seconds into the Northern Sun match.
 
The Marauders quickly put the mistake behind them. A long breakout pass to the right corner was sent to Caylin Cathey in the middle of the 18 yard box. The freshman played the ball forward to Michelle McGeary, who immediately tapped it back to Cathey. She gathered the ball just above the penalty spot and fired an uncontested shot into the upper right corner of the net, tying the game 1-1 at the 10:35 mark. It was Cathey's second goal of her career after first scoring yesterday.
 
U-Mary then ramped up the pressure, firing four shots and creating two corner kicks before SMSU could counter.
 
A foul by the Mustangs set up the Marauders biggest goal of the season. A hard tackle by SMSU just outside the penalty box gave the Marauders a free kick from above the left side about 23 yards out.
 
With the Mustangs slowly setting up their defense but without the Marauders asking for a ten yard cushion, Searson recognized the unsettledness of the situation. As defensive players milled about, the junior midfielder drove the ball into the right side of the net in the 30^th minute for a 2-1 U-Mary advantage. It was Searson's fourth goal of the season and, like Cathey, the second of the weekend. Two of Searson's goals are off penalty kicks and the other two off free kicks.
 
Both teams created further scoring opportunities but neither could net a goal. The Mustangs greatly amped the pressure in the closing minutes but Marauders goalkeeper Bailey Wenz rose to the challenge. In the final 15 minutes she warded off four shots and eight corner kicks. The senior's sixth and final save was registered with 62 seconds remaining.
 
Both teams generated 11 shots in the game with SMSU placing seven on frame to six for U-Mary. The Mustangs held an 11-2 edge in corner kicks but couldn't take advantage.
 
The Marauders now return home for the first time since opening day after playing six consecutive road games. U-Mary hosts Upper Iowa on Oct. 3 and Winona State on Oct. 4, both starting at noon.
 
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