Box Score CICERO, Ill. – The Parkland College women's soccer team picked up its first win of the season on Friday, September 1st, defeating Morton College 5-2 on the road. The Cobras (1-2) fell behind early, but two first-half goals from sophomore Lauren Schnepper gave the visitors the lead over the Panthers (0-3), and Parkland held on to win in a dramatic back-and-forth game. Freshman goalkeeper Leire Rodriguez-Najera totaled 13 saves on Friday to pick up the win, including a crucial penalty kick stop in the 68th minute.
 
"Our goal was to come out and maintain possession, but we struggled in the beginning," Parkland College head coach Dan Vogelsang admitted after the win. "After Morton scored, a switch was flipped, and this team was bound to fight back. It was amazing to see these players leave everything on the pitch."
 
"Huge shout out to our defense for their work and keeping the offense shut down, and our keeper Leire for protecting our lead," Vogelsang added.
 
Up next, the Cobras wrap up their three-game road trip at No. 12 South Suburban College on Sunday, September 3rd. Kick-off against the Bulldogs (0-1) is scheduled for 2:00 PM in South Holland, Illinois.
 
Scoring Summary:
MORTON GOAL – 6th minute
PARKLAND GOAL – 10th minute – Maria Portas (Assisted by Lauren Schnepper)
PARKLAND GOAL – 26th minute – Lauren Schnepper (Assisted by Maria Portas)
PARKLAND GOAL – 31st minute – Lauren Schnepper (Assisted by Macy Wirtz)
Halftime
PARKLAND GOAL – 54th minute – Melanie Gist
MORTON GOAL – 60th minute
PARKLAND GOAL – 65th minute – Maria Portas