Scots Move Closer to MWC Women's Soccer Tournament With Win

Payton Gosell, Madison Walker score for Monmouth

by Nathan Baliva

MONMOUTH, Ill. (10/26/2021) — The Monmouth College women's soccer team took a massive step toward returning to the Midwest Conference Tournament with a 2-0 home win over Cornell on Tuesday. At 4-2-1 in conference play, the Scots have 13 points and will lock up a spot if fifth-place Beloit College falls to third-place Lawrence on Tuesday night. If Beloit draws or wins, the Scots will need a result Saturday at Lawrence to secure a return to the four-team MWC Tournament.

Tuesday's home finale was tied in the 39th minute when Monmouth drew a foul about 30 yards from goal. Senior Payton Gosell (Antioch, Illinois) sent in a bouncing shot that skipped past the Cornell goalie and into the back of the net for a 1-0 Scots lead.

"It was a big goal from Payton and a great game from her tonight," said coach Henderson. "The whole team played well and we didn't give up at all."

Monmouth outshot the Rams 8-1 in the first half and forced four saves. The Rams put the pressure on for an equalizer in the second half, hitting the post once and nearly forcing a Monmouth own goal on a second attempt.

The game stayed 1-0 into the final minutes when Madison Walker (Vernon Hills, Illinois) and Shelby Sims (Peoria, Illinois) linked up for a nice give-and-go. Walker finished off the return pass for her team-leading sixth goal of the season to give the Scots a 2-0 lead with 1:27 left to play.

From there Monmouth ran out the clock to secure the win. The Scots outshot Cornell 12-10 for the game and shots on goal were 7-3. Walker led the Scots with three shots on goal while Jordyn Gosell (Antioch, Illinois) had two. Goalkeeper Lea Selquist (Peru, Illinois) made two saves.

"With as many players as we had who weren't able to play today, we really fought hard," said Henderson. "That wasn't an easy win but it was one we earned and I'm really proud of them."

Monmouth finishes the regular season at Lawrence University on Saturday with an 11 a.m. kickoff.