NAMPA, Idaho -- Despite missing two key members in its defense the Eastern Oregon University soccer team hung tough with NCAA Div. 2 opponent, Northwest Nazarene University before falling Saturday, 3-2.

The Mountaineers got a pair of goals from Tennly Paul-Bowden. The senior scored in the 24th and 31st minutes. The game was Eastern Oregon regular season opener.

"We played better today than we did against Treasure Valley," EOU head coach Jessy Watson said. "We're still learning our new system."

The Crusaders Marie Smith converted on a penalty kick in the 87th minute to give NNU the victory. Northwest Nazarene (1-0-1) was awarded the penalty attempt after Eastern Oregon (0-1-0) was whistled for a hand-ball inside the top of the box. Smith's goal finished inside the right post, just past EOU goalkeeper Allison Seymour's diving save attempt.

NNU's first goals came in the 19th and 35th minutes of play. The Crusaders outshot the Mountaineers 20-5 and had a 9-2 corner kick advantage.

Eastern travels to Walla Walla Community College for a scrimmage Tuesday afternoon and will host its first home game Sept. 25 against Northwest University.