The Drake women's soccer team continued its early-season surge on Sunday afternoon, posting a 2-0 victory over St. Thomas in a non‑conference match that underscored the Bulldogs' growing confidence and tactical discipline.
From the opening whistle the Bulldogs controlled the tempo, outshooting the visitors 5-0 in the first half while limiting St. Thomas to just three attempts on goal. Defensive midfielder Kate Hopma turned away the only on‑target shot, preserving a clean sheet and allowing the attack to build momentum.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Angela Gutierrez found the net, marking her second goal of the campaign. A subsequent strike by Isabella Balsley, set up by Zoey Mahoney and assisted by Gutierrez, sealed the result in the 84th minute. An earlier goal by Alexa Aylward was disallowed after a foul was called in the 80th minute, but the team remained composed and continued to press.
A Professional Approach
Coach Lindsey Horner praised the squad's focus and execution, highlighting the balance between possession, defensive organization and attacking efficiency. The performance was described as "professional and mature," reflecting the players' commitment to disciplined play and attention to detail.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will host Grand View on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. The upcoming match offers a chance to extend their home unbeaten streak and test the team's readiness for the next tier of competition.
With a 2-2 record and a clear tactical identity, Drake's women's soccer side is poised to build on this momentum as the season progresses, blending youthful energy with seasoned leadership to pursue a strong finish.