DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Embry-Riddle women's soccer team (2-2) suffered its second loss of the season on Saturday, falling to 17th-ranked Columbus State (4-0) 4-1 at the ERAU Soccer Stadium.
 
The Eagles had a promising start to the game, keeping the ball in the Cougars' half of the field in the opening minutes, but it was the visitors who created the better chances to score.
 
The game's first goal was the result of a Columbus set piece. Emma Beddow's corner kick was met by an ERAU defender, but the ball wasn't controlled and popped up to Sarah Hungerford who headed home her third goal of the season to put the Cougars up 1-0 in the 16th minute.
 
The Eagles' best chance of the first half came in the 26th minute when Ida Zetterberg's long-range attempt rattled the post. Later in the half, the frame aided the Cougars again as Ida Kummel picked the ball off Columbus State goalkeeper Heidi Harris, but her shot hit the cross bar and went out of play.
 
While each side managed 10 shots apiece, the Cougars had an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal and Juanita Escobar connected on one of those chances with 2:36 showing on the clock to put Columbus State up 2-0 at the half.
 
The Cougars continued to pressure the Eagle defense and the pressure paid off as goals in the 54th and 88th minutes doubled the Columbus State lead to 4-0.
 
Despite the deficit, the Eagles were able to end the game on a positive note. With just under a minute remaining, Lauryn Mateo was fouled just outside the box. Mateo took the free kick found an unmarked Alma who headed home her first goal of the year for the 4-1 final score.
 
The Eagles are back at the ERAU Soccer Stadium on Wednesday for a non-conference tilt against Rollins. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
The 2024 Embry-Riddle women's soccer season is presented by Radiology Associates.