ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – The Embry-Riddle women's soccer team's 2013 campaign came to an end on Wednesday as the fifth-seeded Eagles fell to No. 4 Concordia (Ore.) 1-0 in the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Championship. The Eagles got the better of an early season match-up (Sept. 15) between the two teams, but on this occasion it was the Cavaliers (20-1-1) who came away with the one goal edge as the Blue and Gold closed out its 2013 slate at 16-5-1.

Concordia had the better of the offense to start the contest, registering five shots in the first 15 minutes. In the fourth minute, the Cavaliers threatened with two shots in quick succession. Brianna Zanagara saved the first shot off the line and Olivia Lynch saved the second, which was taken on the rebound, to keep Concordia off the board.

The Eagles withstood the pressure and started to mount its own attack. In the 20th minute, Martine Olsen won the ball in the midfield and raced toward goal, but Concordia keeper Olivia Brock got just enough of a touch on the ball to push it wide of the mark.

Three minutes later, the Cavaliers threatened again and this time their attempt slid off the post and out of play. Despite the chances, neither team could register a score leading to a 0-0 tie at the break.

ERAU had the first chance of the second half in the 50th minute, but Kristin Sverrisdottir's shot sailed just high of the mark. The Cavaliers tested Lynch twice over the next six minutes, but Lynch was up to the challenge, pulling in two of her six saves on the night.

In the 59th minute, the Eagles had a shot blocked at the top of the 18-yard box. Jasmin Ayala picked up the ball on the counter attack and raced 60 yards down the field before launching a cross that made its way to Hannah Kimsey on the left. Kimsey dribbled into the box before slipping a shot past Lynch to give the Cavaliers the all-important goal.

The Eagles worked hard and managed to get a few dangerous crosses off, but couldn't find the final touch to put the ball in the back of the net.

"Obviously we are extremely disappointed to lose tonight," ERAU Head Coach Samantha Bohon commented. "This was a special season and a phenomenal group. I thought once we weathered the storm in the first 20 minutes, we would settle down and get a hold of the ball more. Our defense played really hard and kept us close. Their goal was a good finish by a fantastic player. Still, we created a few chances, but it just wasn't our night. Concordia played a high level of soccer and was probably the better team tonight. I hate to see it end but am so grateful for the opportunity to be with this team. This senior class raised the bar for this program and will leave an amazing legacy here."

Wednesday's contest was the last collegiate game for seniors Rebekka Gisladottir, Valerie Obita, Zangara, Tova Torstensson and Olsen. The quintet put together the most successful three seasons in ERAU women's soccer program history, combining to win 65 games and two Sun Conference tournament titles, and making three appearances in the NAIA National Championship round of eight.

Obita and Olsen will graduate as the most prolific offensive players in program history. The duo is tied for the program's career best in goals scored (71) and rank first and second in career points with Olsen tallying 170 and Obita totaling 169. Olsen is the Eagles' all-time leader in game-winners (22) and is fourth in assists (28), while Obita ranks third in game-winners (15) and fifth in assists (27).