CALDWELL, Idaho -- The Northwest Nazarene Crusaders outshot the Mountaineers in the opening period 8-1, but the Mounties stayed strong, thanks to the many great saves of goalkeeper Kalah Minter and a tough defensive line, and went on to post a 3-1 win in EOU's season opener. It was Lauren Robideau that found the net 20 yards out that past NNU goalkeeper Pip Herman in the 28th minute of the game. Robideau is back, healthy, and ready to play. Robideau, who broke her leg last season and was unable to play, started off the season with two goals against NNU today.
The Mountaineers took a 2-0 lead in the 63rd- minute of the game, when Christina McGahen made a pass up the middle to Lauren Souza, who scored 15 yards out.
The Crusaders cut the lead in the 82nd - minute of the game off a penalty kick by NNU's Marie Smith, due to a foul in the box by the Mountaineers. Not even five minutes later Robideau knocked in her second goal of the game, by beating two defenders up the middle and sending a shot just inside the left post.
EOU had great success due to everyone working together. Junior defender Martha Billings said, "We connected and came together as a team. Today showed us what we are capable of."
The Mountaineers will face tough competition Saturday against Rocky Mountain College at 2 p.m. at the College of Idaho.