SDSU’s women’s soccer team faced Summit League leader Western Illinois last weekend with little success to its name.

With some timely goal scoring, SDSU was able to use teamwork to pick up the win, 2-0 on Oct. 14 at Fishback Soccer Park.

The start of the first half was an even back and forth battle. While SDSU’s defense remained on task, the Jackrabbits failed to generate any shots in the first 30 minutes of play and was aided by SDSU goalie Elisa Stamatakis, who had two major saves within a minute.

“Coach wanted us to have each other’s backs,” Stamatakis said.

That’s just what SDSU did, as the Jacks got it in gear late in the half. In the 44th minute, Stacy                     Guijarro saw a chance and took it. With the help of Courtney Higgins, SDSU made it on the board. The goal helped boost SDSU’s spirits enough to keep Western Illinois from getting a goal.

At halftime, Western Illinois had 11 shots on goal while SDSU only had one. Head coach Lang Wedemeyer knew that the wind was at WIU’s backs, which would be a challenge. SDSU wasn’t afraid.

“I wanted them to have each other’s backs, work together,” Wedemeyer said.

The second half was intense for all its 45 minutes. SDSU continued to work together as a team. Western Illinois was in search of getting a goal any way it could. SDSU knew that and battled for the top. SDSU and Western Illinois both had one offside violation in the second half. SDSU packed on the pressure with some close goal attempts at 29:02 by Stephanie Krzywania. Stamatakis had another save with 19:01 remaining. By this time SDSU had seven shots on goal with Western Illinois at 15. With 1:20 left, Alyssa Brazil made another goal for the Jacks on an assist by Diana Potterveld to win the game 2-0 for SDSU. The Jacks are now 3-9-1 overall.

“It was really nice to finally have a game go our way,” Stamatakis said. “Because of the support, we were able to really play as a team.”

“We knew they were tact minded, and we did what we needed to do to shut them out,” Wedemeyer said.

SDSU ended with three total fouls and Western Illinois finished with nine fouls. The Jackrabbits play at home again this week against Kansas City, who is 1-2-0 in the Summit league. The game will take place on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Fishback Soccer Park.