OTAHK SOCCER PROGRAM DEBUTS

There was no game-winning penalty kick in overtime.

And no player ripped off her shirt and sprinted in circles in her sports bra.

No, it wasn't exactly the World Cup, but this game generated excitement all the same.

Southeast Missouri State's inaugural women's soccer team held its own Tuesday, losing an exhibition game 3-1 in front of an impressive home crowd of 250. It was the first competitive game ever played by the Otahkians and the team looked competent in every area except one: conditioning. And that just comes with a little more time.

The Otahks and the Busch Soccer Club took a scoreless tie into the third period, but Busch quickly scored a goal at about the 5-minute mark in the third period to go up 1-0. Busch then tacked on two goals within about one minute of each other midway through the 30-minute period against a defense that was obviously worn out.

"I was least pleased with our game conditioning," said Southeast coach Heather Nelson, adding that the team had prepared and worked hard on endurance in the short time it has been together. "But game-condition is totally different."

The lack of endurance was to be expected, however. The Otahks have been practicing for just seven days, compared to the amateur Busch team which competes year around and has been going strong for seven years.

"I thought we had a solid performance for such a short period of time to prepare," Nelson said. "We'll go back to practice and work on some things, but overall I was pleased and I think the team has a lot of potential."

Southeast recorded its first goal about one minute after Busch's third goal. Cape Central graduate Nichole Thiele, a striker, nailed a 20-yarder near the left sideline to account for the final margin.

"It's a great feeling (to score the school's first goal)," Thiele said. "But it's not so important that I scored a goal as it was giving the team confidence that we can score."

Busch put consistent pressure on Southeast and penetrated the Otahks' half more often than not.

But Southeast had its opportunities. The Otahks were outshot 13-5, but missed on two prime opportunities.

Southeast's Beth Guccione had an impressive debut in goal, coming up with nine saves, a few of them diving stops. But Guccione wasn't the only defensive highlight.

Nelson said of all the things she saw, she was most pleased with the play of her four defenders.

"They really worked well together," said Nelson.

Nelson was also impressed with the audience, which braved uncomfortable heat to watch a women's exhibition soccer game. Four small sets of bleachers were full, while others stood and some sat on the hill adjacent to Sprigg Street.

"I was really pleased with the crowd," she said. "I hope they keep coming because it's really inspirational to the players to see that many people. It's nice to feel like we're at home."