Marci Byrd

Ever since the start of the pre-season, the Lady Miner soccer had been looking forward to their Sept. 20 debut on their new field.

And while UMR put forth a good effort Wednesday night, it was Southern Illinois Edwardsville who came away with the victory as it recorded a 2-0 win over the Lady Miners in the inaugural game at the new UMR Soccer Field.

A goal by Jenny Kates with just 5:02 left in the opening half, which came on a breakaway after making a steal, turned out to be the only goal SIUE (4-3-1, 2-2-1 Great Lakes Valley Conference) would need for the victory. But the Lady Miners had several golden opportunities in the final 45 minutes to draw even or closer once the Cougar lead expanded.

Marci Byrd hit the goal post on a free kick just minutes before SIUE's Elizabeth Valenti hit an 18-yard shot past Brittany Parker at the 67:06 mark to give the Cougars a two-goal lead. Byrd later grazed the crossbar on another free kick attempt, while the Lady Miners missed a couple of more good chances with open players inside the 18-yard line.

SIUE held an 18-14 edge in shots for the night, with Parker making 10 saves for UMR.

UMR fell to 0-9 overall and 0-4 in GLVC play and will return to the home pitch Friday with a 7:30 p.m. game against Lewis (2-7, 1-4 GLVC).