FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

DUBUQUE, Iowa (Sep. 13, 2009) -- An overtime penalty kick proved to be the difference-maker as the host University of Dubuque snuck past North Central College, 2-1, in a non-conference women's soccer match at Oyen Field. The loss is the Cardinals' first of the season, snapping a four-game winning streak.

The two squads battled to a scoreless first half, with just six shots attempted in the first 45 minutes of action.

Dubuque struck first in the second half, scoring off a corner kick in the 78th minute after Emily Azinger fed the ball to Ashley Barwick. The Cardinals responded with just over three minutes remaining in regulation with Stefani Masterton netting the equalizer off a Natalie Vivacqua pass.

In overtime, the host Spartans drew a penalty kick in the 103rd minute, with Ashly Hamilton converting the kick to give Dubuque the victory.

Elise Manzie stopped eight shots on the afternoon, logging in all 103 minutes in goal while Natalie Baker recorded three saves for the Spartans.

The loss drops the Cardinals record to 4-1 on the season while the Spartans improve to 5-1. North Central returns to action on Saturday, September 19, welcoming Eureka College to Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium for the opening game of the annual Sal Vaccaro Tournament.