LEBANON, Ill. – Maryville women's soccer tied No. 13 McKendree University on Friday night after a Lotte Brands goal in the 89th minute. The sophomore helped secure home-field advantage in the first round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament and the first unbeaten record in GLVC play in program history.
 
Lori Chalupny's squad wraps up conference play with a 6-0-6 record and an 8-2-6 overall record. The Saints' GLVC Quarterfinal matchup at Maryville Soccer Field will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30.
 
The Bearcats dominated possession in the first half, outshooting their visitors 12-5. McKendree got a goal in the 28th minute from Gillian Nicholson despite an outstanding five-save performance from goalkeeper Katie Nash in the first 45 minutes.
 
In the second half, the Saints' defense stepped up in a major way, allowing just four shot attempts and no shots on goal. Unfortunately for Maryville, the Bearcats' defense also continued to stifle offense.
 
With time running down, the battling Saints continued to press and forced a corner kick at 88:01. Tori Calvert sent a ball into the box that got headed away by McKendree. Lotte Brands, pressing forward in a last-ditch effort for a goal, settled the ball and fired it into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
 
The GLVC's leading goal-scorer, Anna Stiffler, gave it one more chance with three seconds remaining but missed wide right to end the 1-1 draw.

Next up for women's soccer is the GLVC Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 30, as the Saints await for their visitor to be announced after GLVC play wraps up this Sunday.