LA GRANDE, Ore. – One of the biggest women's soccer turnarounds in the country came to a conclusion on Saturday afternoon, at least amidst the confines of the EOU Soccer Field.
Senior forward Crystal Schuder netted the go-ahead goal just 93 seconds after NCU scored the equalizer in the second half, and the Mountaineers took down the Beacons, 2-1, on Senior Day.
"I'm pleased with the grit of the team to keep battling and to keep our composure in a very physical game," said head women's soccer coach Justin Wagar. "Both teams played hard, and it was a good test today for both teams."
Key Performances
Both Schuder and freshman forward Zoe Anderson registered goals for the Navy and Gold, while junior goalkeeper Jessica Parker tallied one save en route to collecting her 13th triumph of the 2015 campaign.
EOU bode farewell to five seniors: Schuder, midfielder Haley Hill, midfielder Lexi Olivo, defender Allison Jordan, and defender Danielle Robinson.
"I'm proud of this senior group of girls," said Wagar. "All five of them are wonderful, hardworking ladies who are phenomenal leaders. Each of them has done a great job of being positive role models for their teammates as committed members of the team. It's an honor and privilege to coach them and have them represent EOU soccer. "
The Storyline
The two Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) squads met on the pitch for a second time this season. In EOU's season opener on Aug. 25, Schuder notched the game-winner against NCU in the 27th minute.
History repeated itself on Senior Day with Schuder scoring the game-winner, but the match didn't get interesting until the second stanza.
Anderson's unassisted score came in the 56th minute thanks to a little bit of luck, as her shot ricocheted off the left post and sailed past Beacon keeper Kristin Fulbright.
NCU (2-12-1, 1-8-0 CCC) silenced the large Mountaineer crowd in the 73rd minute after Melyssa Weber found herself all alone on a pass from Brighton Hebisen and fired it past Parker for the game-tying score.
However, just 93 seconds later, Schuder dribbled past her defender and netted the left-footer from 10 yards out in the 74th minute to put EOU back on top, 2-1, as seen below.
NCU tallied 20 fouls on the afternoon compared to only five by EOU.
The Mountaineers outshot the Beacons, 21-11, and the Navy and Gold also had five corner kicks in the opening 45 minutes.
Stats of the Game
8 – Saves by NCU's Fulbright in a losing effort.
13 – Goals on the season for Anderson.
11 – Goals on the year for Schuder.
(6-1) – Record at home for EOU.
Up Next
The Mountaineers (13-2, 8-2) return to action on Oct. 30 against Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Wash. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
