Box Score MADISON, Wis. – Five years isn't that long ago, but it's long enough that no Edgewood College women's soccer player on the roster can remember beating Aurora University. The Eagles won't have to search their memories very hard anymore, as Edgewood College defeated the Spartans 1-0 on Saturday, for their first win over Aurora since 2008. Katie Pampuch scored the winning goal late in the first half.

The offensive-minded Spartans peppered the Edgewood College (8-2-1, 5-0 NACC) goal early, with eight shots, including three on goal in the first 22 minutes of the match. The Eagles meanwhile, had just two shots, although both needed to saved by Aurora goalkeeper Maddy Crawford.

A key moment occurred in the 31st minute. Following a challenge near midfield, an Aurora player was whistled for tripping an Edgewood College player, after the action was already moving away. The Aurora player was assessed a red card and sent off for the remainder of the game, leaving the Spartans to continue with just 10 players.

Even shorthanded, the Spartans maintained pressure on the Eagles' defense until a mistake in the Spartans backline opened the door for Pampuch in the 40th minute. Edgewood College's Brooke Menzia attempted to push the ball forward, and the ball slipped under the foot of an Aurora defender leading to footrace for the loose ball. When Pampuch, two Spartans and the ball all arrived at the same spot near the edge of the penalty area, the two Aurora players collided and went down in a heap, leaving Pampuch a clear path to the net. Pampuch laced a shot across the front of Crawford and watched it ricochet off the right post and into the net. The Eagles carried their 1-0 lead into the halftime locker room.

Aurora University (9-2, 5-1 NACC) continued to fire shot after shot in the second half, eventually piling up 27-6 advantage in shots for the game. However, the Eagles' defense forced many shots from distance and didn't truly threaten. Those did make it through were eaten up by Edgewood College goalkeeper Tori Fortney who finished with 12 saves and her fifth shutout of the season.

With the win, Edgewood College assumes sole possession of first place in NACC and gains the inside track to the conference title, with six league matches left to play. The Eagles next match is a non-conference home title against Lawrence University next Wednesday night. The Eagles will look to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 matches.