Joliet, Ill. - The Marian women's soccer team battled through adversity on Wednesday night in the Chicago suburbs, less than 48 hours removed their flight home from Arizona, as the Knights scored a 3-2 road victory over St. Francis (Ill.). The Knights got the game-winning goal in the 85th minute from Grace Crawford, as they continue their undefeated start to the year with their record lifting to 5-0-1.

Marian was the first to strike with Sophie Decker firing one off, forcing the goalie to make the save. Decker's shot fueled the Marian offense with two header shots coming from Camryn Gietl. It was at the 22:59 mark when the Knights found their first goal coming from the foot of Decker on a pass from Lindsey Stoughton. Marian continued their rampage, firing off five more shots before St. Francis saw their first two looks of the game. The two teams were going back and forth with neither side having complete control as the first 45 minutes of play would end with the Knights leading 1-0.

The roles reversed to start the second half as the Saints scored in the 50th minute to tie the game at 1-1. Marian quickly responded with a shot from Grace Crawford that was blocked by the St. Francis defense. Throughout the next 15 minutes of play, the Knights continued to put pressure on the Saints' defense.

After a pair of yellow cards, Marian found their flow again as Decker booted one on frame. A few minutes later the Knights found their second goal from Katie Koger who was assisted by Laney Harshany. Once again, it was the Saints answering 13 minutes later to lock the score at 2-2 with less than seven minutes to play.

Similar to Monday, the Knights put together a thrilling end with Crawford's goal coming less than a minute after the goal from St. Francis. With the 3-2 lead at hand, Marian controlled possession to run the clock and take the 3-2 victory. 

Decker, Koger, and Crawford all scored a goal in Marian's 18 shots, while Harshany and Stoughton each dished out an assist. Kristen Morgan played a majority of the first half, allowing no goal. Mycheala Johnson played a remainder of the game after Morgan suffered an injury. The pair each picked up a save in the win. 

Marian will end their marathon week on Saturday, as the Knights host Missouri Baptist at 12 p.m. from St. Vincent Field. The coverage of the match will begin just before noon on ISC Sports Network, with Greg Rakestraw and Mark Newman on the call of the match. 

Marian will end their marathon week on Saturday, as the Knights host Missouri Baptist at 12 p.m. from St. Vincent Field. The coverage of the match will begin just before noon on the ISC Sports Network, with Greg Rakestraw and Mark Newman on the call of the match.

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