BABSON PARK, Fla. - The NAIA's 12th-ranked women's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to draw even with Webber International on Sunday afternoon, but the Embry-Riddle Eagles couldn't find the go-ahead goal as they tied the Warriors 1-1 in Sun Conference play. ERAU moves to 8-1-1 overall (1-0-1 TSC), stretching their unbeaten streak to nine games, while WIU goes to 2-5-1 overall and 0-1-1 in The Sun Conference.
Nina Joergensen put the Warriors ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute of play in the opening half. Beating several Eagle defenders and goalkeeper Jennifer Grimes for the first goal of the contest.
The Eagles looked to bounce back in the first, continually pushing the ball into the Warrior's defensive third, but couldn't find the back of the net before the halftime horn. ERAU outshot WIU 8-6 in the first period, while both Grimes and Webber International's Makenzie Vance making two and three saves respectively.
The Blue and Gold started the second half aggresively, putting shot after shot on Vance, but the keeper was able to deny ERAU until the 72nd minute when sophomore Allison Schultz chose the perfect time for her first goal of the season. Schultz put her head on a corner kick from freshman Martine Olsen, putting the ball past Vance into the left-hand side of the net to draw the game even at 1-1.
ERAU did not relent in their attack, managing six shots in the second half, four of which were on goal. The Eagles also held the advantage in corner kicks throughout the game 11-2. Grimes made a great save with 17 seconds left in regulation when a WIU forward headed a cross over her head, but the freshman keeper was able to reach up and put a gloved hand on it before pouncing on the ball to save her third shot of the game
After 90 minutes, the Eagles and Warriors battled for two additional 10-minute periods with neither team scoring a golden goal, accounting for the 1-1 final.
Reigning NAIA National Player of the Week Elina Johansson finished with four shots, two on goal; and freshman Valerie Obita contributed five shots with three on goal for the Eagles.
ERAU has not lost to the Warriors in 20 tries, dating back to 1999. Embry-Riddle returns home for a two-game Sun Conference homestand against Florida Memorial (Friday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.) and St. Thomas (Sunday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.) next weekend.
