ASHLAND, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Women's Soccer continued to search for a breakthrough Friday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Southern Oregon University at Raider Stadium. Despite taking an early second-half lead and outshooting the Raiders, the Mountaineers were unable to hold on, suffering their third consecutive loss.
The Mountaineers created several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half, applying consistent pressure to the Southern Oregon defense.
Ashley Smith,
Samantha Jones and
Peyton Jacaway each tested Raider goalkeeper Ashlyn Fuss early, while Eastern Oregon continued to generate chances through shots and corner kicks. Jacaway nearly broke the deadlock in the closing seconds of the half, striking the crossbar to keep the match scoreless heading into the break.
Eastern Oregon's persistence paid off early in the second half. In the 49th minute,
Gracie Rainsberry sent a corner kick into the middle where Jones headed the ball and
Holly Dorhauer finished it into the back of the net, giving the Mountaineers a 1-0 advantage. Southern Oregon responded just over five minutes later, as Brycelin Endrikat headed home a free kick from Macie Yannoni to even the score at 1-1.
The match remained competitive as both teams looked for the go-ahead goal. Eastern Oregon continued to press forward, with Jones, Smith and
Ava Henkemeyer creating opportunities. However, the Raiders capitalized on their chance in the 73rd minute when Abby McKean scored to give Southern Oregon a 2-1 lead. The Mountaineers pushed for an equalizer over the final 17 minutes. Smith and Jones each put shots on target, while Jacaway and
Calie Hitt continued to challenge the Raider defense. Despite the late pressure, Fuss and the Southern Oregon back line held firm to preserve the home victory.
Eastern Oregon finished with a commanding 23-8 advantage in total shots, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. The Mountaineers also earned 11 corner kicks compared to Southern Oregon's two. Fuss recorded nine saves for the Raiders, while EOU goalkeeper
Elysa Morse finished with two saves.
The defeat moved Eastern Oregon to 8-5-1 overall and 4-4-0 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. The Mountaineers return to action Saturday, Oct. 17, traveling to Klamath Falls to face Oregon Tech. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
