The Women’s Premier Soccer League hosted its first game of the season Saturday afternoon when the Cincinnati Lady Saints traveled to Livonia to take on Motor City Football Club (MCFC).

Cincinnati’s goalkeeper, Kara Gudmens, who played collegiately at the University of Alabama, made ten saves, but couldn’t stop Alyssa Mira from scoring what proved to be the game winner in injury time at the end of the first half. “[Gudmens] made six or seven spectacular saves,” said head coach Skipper Mukhtar of the Crimson Tide alum. “But [Alyssa] Mira scored Motor City’s first-ever goal, and I couldn’t be happier for her,” Mukhtar added.

Jill Flietstra (MSU) posted the shutout for MCFC, making three saves in a relatively simple day at the back, thanks to the organization of defenders Jackie Carron (Michigan), Stephanie Martin (CMU), Claire Horton (CMU), and Katie Wooley (GVSU).

MCFC held the ball for 70% of the game, limiting Cincinnati to a direct-style of attack that was largely ineffective. “We stress possession and we did a phenomenal job of keeping the ball today,” said Mukhtar. Michigan State alums Lauren Hill and Lauren Sinacola controlled the pace of play in midfield, moving the ball around the field involving the entire team.

MCFC is back in action next week at 1pm vs the Columbus Eagles.  Tickets are at the gate the day of the game. $7 for adults and $3 for children. MCFC plays its home games at Livonia Churchill High School.