The Augustana women’s soccer team rounded out the 2019 season, defeating Wheaton in shoot-outs for semi-finals.

The Vikings advanced to the CCIW championship against Illinois Wesleyan where the run fell short in overtime. Earlier in the season, the Vikings fell to the nationally-ranked Wheaton College 2-0. However, on Nov. 6, the Vikings had a shot at avenging that loss. In the first half, Augie struggled to get any shots off, whereas Wheaton put 10 shots on frame. The half finished out with a 0-0 tie.

The second half also ended with no score.

Junior goalie, Sydney Ion, statistically had the best performance of her career. That kept the Vikings neck and neck with Wheaton’s 30 shots, 16 of which were on cage and turned away by Ion, a career high.

As shootouts began, seniors Anna Fank and Lauren Muzzalupo, followed by juniors Sandra Camarillo and Grace Sigler all got their shots in the back of the net.

Ion kept up her momentum in shootouts, turning away two of Wheaton’s four shots. This put  Augie up 4-2 to advance to the tournament finals.

“Going into the game Wednesday, I think we all had some nerves, but we were so excited for the challenge. We knew we couldn’t take any mental breaks and we held strong throughout the entire game and really showed who we are as a team,” Fank said.

However, the Vikings work was not finished as their focus shifted to taking on Illinois Wesleyan on Nov. 9.

Wesleyan totaled three shots on cage, all of which were saved by Ion. The Vikings got two shots on frame, but neither made it past the Wesleyan goalie. Regular time ended the same way it started at 0-0.Headed into overtime, the Vikings took the loss in the first 18 seconds with a quick goal by the opponent. The team ended the year with a record of 10-4-3.

For the six seniors on the team, this game marked the end of their athletic career.

“Every time I step on the field, it’s about playing for the person next to me. We all really try to have each other’s backs,”  senior captain Lauren Muzzalupo said. “We all want to do well for ourselves, the person playing next to you, the one that subs you out, the one that’s hurt and can’t play…. The whole team works together to push us forward.”

With an average of 0.62 goals per 90 minutes this year, the defense recorded the 4th-best in program history.

“I think there are games, like the Wheaton semi-final game, where we showed who we are and what we are capable of. I believe we still have more to prove, and I believe we will get those opportunities,” Fank said.