LA GRANDE, Ore. – The journey for one of the biggest turnarounds in the country is certainly heating up, as the (RV) Eastern Oregon University women's soccer team prepares for its matchup against No 13 Biola (Calif.) in the 2015 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round.
The Opponent
Biola (Calif.) is making its first appearance in the Opening Round since the 2004 campaign when the Eagles went 16-2-1 and reached the Second Round of the NAIA National Championship.
In their last time out, the Eagles dropped a 3-0 decision to then-ranked No. 8 Westmont in the 2015 GSAC Tournament Championship. Much like EOU, Biola has mustered a highly successful record on the road, winning nine of 10 matches away from Al Barbour Field.
The Eagles have outshot their opponents this season, 309-183, tallying 37 goals in the process. Similar to the Navy and Gold, Biola has relied heavily on its defense, boasting 10 shutouts on the year. Twenty-six of the squad's 37 goals have come in the second half.
Twelve different players have scored this season for the Eagles, with Taylor Venegas leading the team with nine goals and 66 shots. In addition, Samantha Verduzco and Jessie Burns have netted six scores apiece.
Both Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Johnson have seen adequate time in the box, combining for a goals-against average of 0.81 – the 28th best in the country.
Biola has one common opponent with EOU in Menlo College. The Eagles tied with the Oaks (1-1, 2OT) on Sept. 22 in Atherton, Calif., before taking down Menlo just over two weeks later in a 1-0 triumph at home.
EOU's Last Time Out
The Mountaineers tied with Carroll College on Nov. 14 in the 2015 CCC Championship but ultimately fell in penalty kicks, 3-2.
Despite the defeat, EOU clinched its first-ever bid to the Opening Round thanks to a dominant 4-0 triumph over second-seeded College of Idaho in the semifinals. In the victory over the Yotes, senior forward Crystal Schuder netted her first-career hat trick. She boasts a conference-best 17 goals on the year.
Series History
EOU and Biola will duke it out on the pitch for the first time on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles have registered a 8-4 record against CCC teams since 2005.
Records Broken in 2015
In addition to the winningest season in program history, EOU has destroyed several other feats in the record books, including:
- Goals in a season (Schuder: 17, Anderson: 14)
- Points in a season (Schuder:40, Anderson: 36)
- Game-winners in a season (Schuder: seven, Anderson: four)
- Shutouts in a season (Parker: nine)
- Goals-against average in a season (Parker: 0.45)
- Goals in a single game (13, EOU vs. Sierra Nevada on Aug. 29)
- Goals as a team (65)
- Assists as a team (45)
- Points as a team (175)
- Shutouts as a team (14)
- Goals-against average as a team (0.39)
- Best Finish in the conference tournament (2015 Runner-Up)
- 1st Appearance in the NAIA NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round
Ticket Prices
The first 200 EOU students will receive free admission to Saturday's contest. The other ticket prices are as follows:
· General Admission: $8
· Military/Senior: $4
· All Students (high school, middle school, elementary): $2
· First 200 EOU Students: Free (any after must pay $2)
Live Video/Audio
Live video and audio will be provided for the game. While live stats are free, fans can pay $7.95 to watch the match. To view the live stream, click here.
Follow EOU Athletics
Fans can follow Mountaineer athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EOUathletics, on Instagram via "EOUsports," or on Twitter via @EOUsports.
