WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. –The Embry-Riddle women's soccer team was unable to rebound from a one-goal deficit in the first half, falling to 23rd-ranked Northwood in both teams' Sun Conference opener on Friday. The loss drops the fourth-ranked Eagles to 5-4 overall and 0-1 in league play, while Northwood moves to 5-3 and 1-0 in the conference.

The Seahawks outshot the Eagles 7-3 in the first half and took the lead in the third minute when a defensive miscue resulted in an own goal.

The Eagles were able to bounce back, netting the equalizer in the 18th minute. Ange Durston-Ryan got the ball in the midfield and quickly found Valerie Obita on the right side. Obita beat the last Northwood defender with her first touch, sped into the box, and rocketed shot to the far side to tie the game.

Another Eagle defensive miscue led to Northwood's second goal of the day. In the 25th minute, a missed clearance fell to Helen Lynskey who gave the Seahawks a 2-1 lead at the half.

The second half saw the Eagles create several chances to score, including an attempt by Martine Olsen that went just wide of the mark and Obita's shot that bounced off the post. Although they held an 8-4 shot advantage in the second frame, the Eagles were unable to find the back of the net again, giving Northwood the win.

The Eagles will be back in action at 1 p.m. on Sunday when they return to south Florida to take on Johnson & Wales in the Eagles' second conference game of the season.