LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University women's soccer team pulled off a thrilling upset Friday evening, defeating No. 4 College of Idaho, 1-0, at Community Stadium.
With the intensity of the rivalry already running high, the Mountaineers came out determined to make a statement against the nationally ranked Yotes.
Eastern Oregon controlled the opening minutes, with
Holly Dorhauer recording a shot just seconds into the match that sailed wide. The Mountaineers quickly earned their first corner kick in the opening minute, and
Kardyn Martinez nearly put EOU ahead with a header, but College of Idaho goalkeeper Molly McCabe made the save. Dorhauer added another shot just seconds later, again missing the target.
The Mountaineers continued to apply pressure, with Dorhauer recording her third shot of the match just 11 minutes in, but the attempt was blocked by the Yotes' defense. From there, the intensity increased as the teams traded shots and corner kicks. Eastern Oregon's defense consistently turned away College of Idaho opportunities, while the Mounties continued to narrowly miss the net.
Makenna Moore nearly broke the deadlock when her shot struck the post, while Dorhauer later forced another save from McCabe.
With the first half winding down, EOU capitalized on a College of Idaho foul to earn a free kick.
Elysa Morse took the initial kick, with the ball rebounding to Sam Gjersvold near the 20-yard line. Gjersvold then launched a long-range shot that sailed just over the head of McCabe and into the net, giving the Mountaineers a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Eastern Oregon carried its momentum into the second half, quickly earning a corner kick before
Peyton Jacaway nearly doubled the lead with a shot from nearly 20 yards out that sailed just high of the goal. Both teams continued to generate chances throughout the half, but neither could find the back of the net. With less than 10 minutes remaining,
Ava Henkemeyer nearly gave the Mountaineers some insurance when she fired a shot from the right side toward the left corner, only to see it narrowly miss and strike the post.
The Mountaineers and Yotes each managed one more shot in the closing minutes, but neither found the net, allowing Eastern Oregon to hold on for the 1-0 victory over the No. 4-ranked Yotes.
The Mountaineers outshot the Yotes 14-6, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal. EOU goalkeeper
Elysa Morse made two saves over the 90 minutes to secure the shutout. With the victory, Eastern Oregon improves to 8-2-1 overall and 4-1 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, while College of Idaho falls to 8-2-0 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
The Mountaineers return to action next Friday, hosting Rocky Mountain College at 4 p.m. PT.
