The Baker University women’s soccer team is on a five-game winning streak after beating Missouri Baptist University 3-0 Friday at North Park and Lyon College 2-0 Saturday at Liston Stadium.
Baker started the game against Missouri Baptist at a fast pace and had two goals from junior Alix Schiraldi, as well as a goal from senior Christine Janssens.
Head coach Nate Houser said the team did well controlling the ball and connecting passes between players, but didn’t finish the game as hard as it could have.
“With early goals comes confidence, and sometimes overconfidence, and I think sometimes we rush and almost try too hard to take advantage of things that weren’t there,” Houser said.
The Wildcats’ win over Lyon College came after a slow start to the game. Although the team dominated possession of the ball throughout the game, there were no goals during the first half of the match.
“We need to work on playing the whole 90 minutes,” Janssens said.
The Wildcats stepped up during the second half with both Schiraldi and Janssens scoring goals, which led the team to its fifth victory in the past three weeks.
“We grew a lot during that first half with frustrations and working them out,” Janssens said.
Janssens and Schiraldi have scored goals for the Wildcats over the past few weeks, however the defensive is also to thank for the wins.
Houser said the transition of midfielder Haley Oborny to defense has helped the defense move forward, with her ability to read plays and her technical skills being a dynamic element on the team.
“There are not a whole lot of complaints,” Houser said. “There are little things we can do better for sure, but you know, it’s like a Monet. It’s a good piece of art, but up close you want to connect the dots.”
The Wildcats have recorded four shutouts in five games since losing the season opener to Southern Nazarene University 2-1. The only other goals given up were three to Hastings College in a 4-3 overtime win.
Schiraldi was named the HAAC Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week after scoring six goals in three games for Baker. Schiraldi missed the first match of the season due to an ankle injury.
Schiraldi leads the team with eight goals on the season, while Janssens has added six goals and two assists.
The Wildcats are 5-1 on the season and were tied for third place in the HAAC with Avila University and Graceland University.
“We’d like people’s support; for more people to come out to the game,” junior Breana Hoener said.
Baker plays John Brown University at 3 p.m. Friday and Bellevue University at 3 p.m. Saturday. Both matches will take place at North Park.
The Wildcats’ final five home games of the season will take place at Liston stadium.
