LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Women's Soccer picked up win No. 2 of the season Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 shutout of Northwest University in a non-conference bout. With the win, Eastern Oregon improves to 2-0 on the year.
How it Happened
• The Mountaineers netted a goal in each period to take down the Eagles (0-2) inside Community Stadium. Northwest had the edge in shots 10-6 (6-5 SOG) but never found the back of the net in the loss.
• The Eagles had chances to avoid the shutout but six saves from
Kiara Fontanilla helped pace a once again stout defense for the Mountaineers. EOU was called for seven fouls though in the contest, while Northwest had none.
• The first goal of the contest came in the sixth minute thanks to the speedy effort of
Lindsay Balkenbush. The Eagles tried to clear the ball but Balkenbush came crashing into the penalty area and deflected the ball into the lower right corner of the net from two yards out to give EOU a 1-0 lead.
• The Eagles tried to respond to the early goal from Eastern and had opportunities. They outshot the Mounties 5-4 in the first frame, but never found the back of the net. The score remained 1-0 going into the halftime break.
• Coming out of halftime, the Mountaineers extended their lead to 2-0 in the 60th minute.
Kana Mateaki found
Sarah Mitchell on the right side just outside the box who sent the ball to the left end of the net. The ball ricocheted off the left post and went into the net to give Mitchell her first goal of the season and bring the game to the final score of 2-0.
Mountaineers Stat Leaders
•
Lindsay Balkenbush was credited the gamewinning goal as she finished with one shot on the day.
•
Sarah Mitchell also took just one shot on the day with it coming on goal.
•
Mackinley Gregus had the most shots for Eastern taking two in the game, with both coming on goal.
• Goalkeeper
Kiara Fontanilla improves to 2-0 with the shutout win. She had five saves in 90 minutes of action.
For the Eagles
• Olivia Morris led all players with a game-high four shots and all four came on goal.
• Sarah Hommas finished with three shots overall with two coming on goal.
• In net, Kierstin Patefield suffered the loss. She had three saves in 90 minutes of play.
By the Numbers
47 – With the win on Sunday Head Coach
Jacob Plocher now has 47 career wins at EOU.
2 –
Kiara Fontanilla has now posted back-to-back shutouts in net to start the season.
5 – Dating back to last season, the Mounties have now posted five consecutive shutout wins inside Community Stadium.
2 – With the win on Sunday afternoon, EOU snaps a two-game losing streak to the Eagles.
Up Next
• EOU will now turn its focus to the start of conference play next weekend. The Mountaineers will kickoff Cascade College Conference play at home against Rocky Mountain College (Mont.) on March 7 and 8.
• The two teams will play each other back-to-back days inside Community Stadium. Kickoff for both games is set for 11 a.m. PT.
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