TAMPA, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle women's soccer team struck first but was unable to secure a road win in Sunshine State Conference action on Wednesday, falling to Tampa 2-1 at the Spartans' Pepin Stadium. The loss puts the Eagles at 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the league, while Tampa improves to 6-4-4 and 4-2-2 in the SSC.
 
The first 45 minutes of play saw the home team outshoot the Eagles 10-4, four of which elicited a save from ERAU goalkeeper Dana Ruchti. However, it was the Eagles who got on the scoreboard first. In the 43rd minute, Rachel Owens played a ball down the line to Ragnheidur Gardarsdottir on the left side. With one defender to beat, Gardarsdottir ran toward the end line, cut the ball back to elude her mark and took a few touches inside the box before taking a shot. Tampa goalkeeper Megan Bromwell was in position to stop Gardarsdottir's attempt, but the ball went through her hands and into the net for a 1-0 Eagle lead at the half.
 
The advantage was short-lived for the Blue and Gold as Lisa Caprara netted the equalizer for the Spartans just seven minutes into the second frame.
 
In the 68th minute, Robyn-Anne Whittaker and Alex Jackson combined to score the Spartans' second goal of the night and that tally stood as the game-winner as the Eagles were unable to find an answer in the closing minutes of the contest.
 
The Eagles will play their final regular season home game on Saturday when they host Rollins at the ERAU Soccer Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.