KENOSHA, Wis. -- The Augustana Vikings women's soccer team earned an important victory on the road Wednesday night, using a goal in the final seven minutes of action to defeat the Carthage Firebirds by a score of 2-1. 

The two teams played a defensive battle through one half, with neither finding the back of the net on their way to a 0-0 tie after 45 minutes. Carthage out-shot Augustana 5-2 in the opening frame. Carson Kekelik and Liesl Whitener each collected an attempt, with Whitener's the lone look on target. Sara Schinker notched four of her six saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless.

The Vikings struck first 10 minutes into the second half as Whitener got the team on the board with a goal off a double assist by Lexi Dominguez and Samira Khobdeh. The next three shots in the half were on Augie's side of the field before the Firebirds sent in the equalizing tally in the 73rd minute to make it a 1-1 game. After trading looks at each other's nets, Khobdeh broke the deadlock with a strike in the 84th minute on a pass from Allison Gibeau. The Augustana defense did not allow a shot the rest of the way and held on for the one-goal victory.

The Vikings held the advantage in shots in the second half with seven to the Firebirds' six. The team was led in that category by Whitener's six.

With the win, Augie improves to 8-4-4 on the season and 2-3-1 in the CCIW. The victory also moves them into the top six of the conference, which is needed to qualify for the postseason tournament.

The Vikings will be back in action Saturday at home vs. Millikin.