The Pantherettes clearly had the upper hand in the game’s opening minutes, utilizing decisive passes to maintain possession, though the dominance over the ball didn’t result in any threatening chances. Temple’s attacks were rare, and Midway never abandoned its shape as it repelled attacks well before the Tem-Cats (3-5-2, 1-2) came close to causing problems.

Temple’s Arienna Reigle made her first save 7 minutes after the opening whistle. Midway came close again moments later, but Billups couldn’t control her kick and sent it sailing over the crossbar.

Temple recorded its first shot more than 10 minutes into the contest when Maya Ramirez sent the first corner kick for either team into a dangerous position. Midway goalie Joy Simpson misread the cross, but the Pantherettes defense cleared the danger.