DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle women's soccer team opened Sunshine State Conference play with a come-from-behind win against Saint Leo on Saturday at the ERAU Soccer Stadium. All three of the game's goals were scored in the second half with ERAU coming out on top 2-1. The Eagles are on a three-game winning streak with all three wins coming at home, and are 3-2 overall and 1-0 in league play.
 
"Tonight, it was a bit frustrating to see us come out so flat in the first half," ERAU Head Coach Samantha Bohon said. "The team recognized the need to bring more energy and get back to our style of play. We'll definitely work on finishing chances in training as we missed 4 1v1s with the goalkeeper. While it wasn't the prettiest game, we are happy with the fight our team showed to get the win. We are continuously evolving and this will be a good game scenario to have overcome as we start conference play."
 
Each team struggled to find a rhythm is the first half and much of the game was played between the 18-yard boxes. The Eagles held a 4-3 edge in shots and the Blue and Gold registered the only shot on frame in the fifth minute when Savanna Sheahan's attempt was easily handled by Lion goalkeeper Julia Ortiz resulting in a scoreless draw at the intermission.
 
The first half of the second frame featured more of the same. The Eagles had a chance to get on the board in the 61st minute, but a wide open shot attempt went high above the mark.
 
With under 21 minutes remaining, the Eagle defense played a ball back to goalkeeper Dana Ruchti. Ruchti cleared the ball out of the box, but Carolina Solis-Deleon was able to run on to the clearance and her shot from 25 yards out gave the Lions a 1-0 advantage.
 
The one-goal Saint Leo lead was short-lived, however, as the Eagles leveled the score moments later. In the 77th minute, ERAU was fouled just outside the 18-yard box. Rachel Owens's free kick found Stina Naess Berge in front of the net and the senior headed home her first goal of the season to tie things up at 1-1.
 
Less than two minutes later, the Eagles struck again. Playing on the right side of the pitch, Ragnheidur Gardarsdottir slotted a pass through to Maria Schmiedhofer who raced unimpeded into the box before netting her first goal of the season to give the Blue and Gold the win.
 
Ortiz finished with one save for the Lions who are now 0-4 overall and 0-1 in the SSC, while Ruchti had four saves in her second complete game win of the year.
 
The Eagles make their first conference road trip of the season when they travel to Fort Lauderdale to take on defending league champs Nova Southeastern. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.