⚽️ Watts Scores Late to Lift KU to 1-0 Victory

Lawrence, Kan. — Lexi Watts scored her first profession aim within the 88th minute of the match to offer Kansas the 1-0 victory in opposition to Purdue and its fourth straight win on Thursday night time at Rock Chalk Park. The aim was assisted by junior ahead Shira Elinav.

“We compete actually arduous,” Head Coach Mark Francis stated. “If we come out and compete the way in which we’re able to each sport, the remainder of the stuff will deal with itself. So long as we carry that power and aggressive spirit each time we step on the sector, then I really feel like we at all times have an opportunity.”

With underneath three minutes remaining within the sport, Elinav raced down a ball and despatched a cross into the field for Watts. Watts was in a position to get previous the defender and used her proper foot to place the ball behind the online.

“I’m tremendous excited,” Watts stated. “Shira hit an exceptional ball and I couldn’t have carried out it with out her. She gave me so many alternatives and it was superior. I’m glad we received one in.”

Regardless of a scoreless first half, Kansas got here out robust in opposition to Purdue and had a number of alternatives. Within the tenth minute, Elinav had a shot that went simply huge of the put up. Elinav had one other likelihood within the twenty third minute on a cross from Watts earlier than Watts had a chance of her personal within the twenty fifth minute, however the Purdue goalkeeper was in a position to cease each makes an attempt. Kansas outshot Purdue 9-4 within the first half.

Kansas managed possession for a lot of the second half and outshot Purdue 6-2 within the interval. Neither workforce was in a position to rating although till Watts’ game-winner within the 88th minute.

After being named Massive 12 Goalkeeper of the Week on Tuesday, senior goalkeeper Melania Pasar recorded her third shutout of the season on Thursday. Pasar made three saves within the match, together with a diving save within the twenty fourth minute to maintain the sport even.

Kansas had a 15-6 benefit on pictures within the match, together with a 6-3 edge for pictures on aim. KU has now gained 4 straight video games for the primary time since 2019. The Jayhawks enhance to 4-1, whereas the Boilermakers fall to 2-3.

Kansas (4-1) will journey to Columbia this weekend to play Missouri on Sunday. Kickoff is about for 1 p.m. CT and the match can be broadcast on SEC Community.