SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Senior forward Crystal Schuder scored in the 27th minute, and head women's soccer coach Justin Wagar collected his first-career triumph at Eastern Oregon University, as the Mountaineers held off Northwest Christian, 1-0.
"I'm proud of our team defense and our effort, as we held them to only one shot on goal," said Wagar. "Even though we were a little nervous with it being our first official game, our team did a great job."
With the victory, EOU improved to 7-2 all-time against NCU.
The Mountaineers put the pressure on the Beacons early, as EOU forged four corner kicks and two shots on goal in the opening 25 minutes of action.
EOU's aggressive demeanor eventually paid off in the 27th minute, as Schuder and senior defender Allison Jordan, a pair of transfers from New Mexico Highlands, utilized some old chemistry to grant the Mountaineers a 1-0 advantage. After winning a battle near midfield, Jordan broke away from the Beacon defenders on the right wing and crossed the ball over to Schuder in the box for the tap-in from five feet.
Other than a blocked attempt in the fourth minute, the Beacons were held shotless for the remainder of the opening frame.
NCU nearly had a chance for the equalizer at the 81st minute, but junior goalkeeper Jessica Parker came up with the save to keep the Beacons at bay.
"We started the season on the right foot," said Wagar. "The girls are excited, and we are looking forward to this weekend for our game against Sierra Nevada."
As a team, EOU outshot NCU, 10-5. The Mountaineers also took 11 corner kicks compared to only one by the Beacons.
Schuder led the way for EOU with six shots on goal, while NCU sophomore midfielder JaNae Haggard launched two shots for the Beacons.
In the box, Parker collected her sixth-career shutout, and she registered her fourth-career victory in the process.
EOU returns to the pitch on Saturday for its home opener against Sierra Nevada College at 4 p.m. It will be 'College Colors Day' at the EOU soccer field, meaning that fans wearing either a Navy or Gold t-shirt will pay half-price for admission.
