By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University soccer posted a program-record eighth straight win on Sunday at Yager Stadium, with the Ichabods taking a 2-0 MIAA win over Northeastern State.
Freshman Mackinly Rohn (24) scored Washburn's first goal in Sunday's 2-0 MIAA win over Northeastern State as the Ichabods won their program-record eighth straight game. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Washburn junior Ana Muruzabal (left) scored a goal for the Ichabods in Sunday's 2-0 MIAA win over Northeastern State. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Ichabod coach Davy Phillips said the work that led to Sunday's achievement started a long time ago.
"I think it's been a couple of years now,'' Phillips said. "Last year we started 7-1-1 and we got up to No. 4 in the region. The year before that we were 6-1-1 I think, so it's been growing for years. It's the program that's building, I think.
"It's been positive and I expect to win every game. I did when I arrived, so for me it's not a surprise. I'm glad they're getting the rewards of their work, but this is what we strive for every year.''
Now 9-1-0 overall and 3-0-0 in the MIAA, Washburn made first-half goals from Mackinly Rohn and Ana Muruzabal stand up for the win while Raegan Wells recorded the shutout in goal for the Ichabods.
"I think (the streak) just solidifies the work we've put in this whole season,'' said Wells, the winningest goalkeeper in program history. "It's just one step closer to bringing home a conference championship
"This team just has a different type of mentality. We show up to practice ready to fight every day. We show up to games and we're just really confident and we trust each other.''
The goal for the Ichabods now is to use their hot start as motivation to keep it going over the remainder of the year.
"One of the things we talk about is the competitive callouses you build up, when you know what it takes to win and you're willing to go and put that work in because you know results will come from it,'' Phillips said. "I think we're just developing some really good callouses through these results, and it's good. I'm excited to watch the group keep growing.''
Rohn, a Washburn Rural product, continued her outstanding freshman season with her second goal of the year just 8:14 into Sunday's match and Muruzabal, a junior, added WU's second goal with 7:13 left in the half off passes from junior Jadyn Allen and senior Riley Painter, who were both credited with assists.
Washburn junior Khloe Schuckman (11) battles Northeastern State's Harley Louviere for the ball in Sunday's 2-0 Ichabod win. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Wells picked up her third straight shutout and sixth of the season (five solo, one shared), and thanks in large part to the work of her teammates, had to make just one save on the afternoon.
"My favorite kind of game,'' Wells said.
On defense junior Josie Boyle and junior Jordan Tenpas played all 90 minutes to help hold Northeastern State in check across the board.
Rebecca Partyka played all 90 minutes in goal for Northeastern State, recording six saves in the match.
Washburn will go on the road for a Friday MIAA match at Missouri Western (6 p.m.) and a match at Northwest Missouri State next Sunday (1 p.m.).
WASHBURN 2, NORTHEASTERN STATE 0
Northeastern State (2-4-4, 0-3-1) 0 0 -- 0
Washburn (9-1-0, 3-0-0) 2 0 -- 2
Washburn -- Goals: Mackinly Rohn, Ana Muruzabal. Assists: Riley Painter, Jadyn Allen. Shutout: Raegan Wells.
