The Webster University women's soccer team, ranked seventh in the Central Region, had a dominating performance but needed a late goal by Melissa Kasper to slip by Spalding University, 1-0, on October 28 in Louisville, KY.  The Gorloks complete their fourth 9-0 season in SLIAC play out of its last five, while winning their ninth straight game.

The Gorloks, the winners of six straight SLIAC regular season titles, will host a first round game in the SLIAC Tournament on November 2, and would host the championship as well on November 4 if they advance.

Webster dominated Spalding throughout the contest, but couldn't break through with a goal.  The Gorloks outshot the Golden Eagles 8-2 in the first half and had a 4-0 edge in corner kicks.  Starting goalie Abbey Mercer (SO, Granite City, IL/Granite City) faced two shots, and saved both as Webster had three shots on goal.

It was more of the same in the second half.  Webster had a 10-1 advantage in shot over the the first 35 minutes of the half, with six on goal.  At the other end, Alisa Coralic (JR, St. Louis, MO/Mehlville), who took over in the second for Mercer, only had seen one shot.

Finally, at the 85:48 mark, Melissa Kasper (SO, Chicago, IL/Oswego) corralled a lead pass from Carolyn Ries (JR, St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh), deeked out the Spalding goalie and scored her 10th goal of the year.  She is now tied with Joi Wilson (FR, Tracy, CA/Tracy) for the team lead in goals.  Kasper also lead the team in points (32) and assists (12).

Since the stout Webster defense shut down the Spalding offense, Coralic wound up facing just the one shot, which she saved, as she picked up the win in goal. She is now 6-1 on the season.  It was the fifth straight shutout for the Gorloks and the seventh in nine SLIAC games, with Westminster and Iowa Wesleyan each scoring one goal each in Webster's wins over both.

The Gorloks wound up with a 21-3 edge in shots, with 11 shots on goal.  Webster also had 11 corner kicks to 0 for Spalding in the contest.

Webster is now 17-1 overall on the year.  Spalding fell to 5-4 in the SLIAC and 8-8 overall.

Webster will face Westminster College at 6:00 p.m. at the Soccer Park on November 2 for the first round of the SLIAC Tournament.  A win would place the Gorloks in the tournament championship on November 4 at 7:30 p.m.