EUGENE, Ore. — Eastern Oregon University (RV) Women's Soccer held a halftime lead Saturday afternoon, but a four-goal second half from Bushnell University sent the Mountaineers to a 4-2 defeat.
The Mountaineers controlled much of the opening 45 minutes, outshooting the Beacons 8-0 and earning four corner kicks. The Mountaineers broke through late in the half when
Ava Henkemeyer scored her first goal of the season in the 42nd minute, finishing a chance assisted by
Kenzie Snell to give EOU a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Mountaineers continued to generate opportunities early in the second half, but Bushnell quickly turned the match around, leveling the match in the 58th minute. The Beacons pulled ahead less than two minutes later. Bushnell struck again in the 62nd minute to complete a three-goal Bushnell surge in just over four minutes. EOU continued to press after falling behind, with
Samantha Gjersvold providing a chance but hitting the crossbar before
Ashley Smith pulled the Mountaineers within one in the 69th minute.
The Mountaineers created several more chances down the stretch, including saves by Bushnell goalkeeper Gabriella Montes on shots from
Erin Kelley,
Cassidy Harding and Gjersvold. Bushnell ultimately put the match out of reach, putting a fourth goal up with less than ten minutes of play remaining.
EOU finished the match with a commanding 19-6 advantage in shots and held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks. The Mountaineers put nine shots on target, but Montes made seven saves to preserve the Bushnell victory.
Henkemeyer finished with two shots and two shots on goal in addition to her goal, while Gjersvold recorded a team-high four shots and three shots on target. Smith added three shots and scored EOU's second goal.
The Mountaineers will look to bounce back from the lost on Friday, October 2nd as they return home to face College of Idaho at 4 p.m. PT.
