Cavs withstand SOU rally for 3-1 win
PORTLAND, Ore – Two first-half goals proved the difference for Concordia University, which defeated Southern Oregon University 3-1 in CCC women's soccer action Wednesday night at Tuominen Yard.
With an 11-2 advantage in shots, Concordia (12-1-1, 5-1 CCC) dominated the play in the first half, putting five attempts on goal compared to zero for the visitors.
Concordia opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Alicia Kolter (Redondo Beach, Calif./Redondo Union H.S.)'s 22-yard high-arching strike went through the hands of Raider goalkeeper Devon Walker.
Later in the period, Marie Kochman (Bellingham, Wash./Sehome H.S.) chipped in her first goal of the season off a deflected shot by Bobbi Eckler (Vancouver, Wash./Union H.S.) in the 34th minute. Eckler initiated the play with a shot of her own that Walker ricocheted back into the center of the pitch for a save, but to a position where Kotchman successfully turned for an 18-yard blast.
Concordia continued to accrue opportunities in the second half, but the Southern Oregon (4-9-1, 3-3-1 CCC) made a strong push after the break, firing in three shots on goal in the first 20 minutes after the break.
Despite the more balanced offensive production, the Cavaliers' stout defense managed to turn back the attacks until late the waning moments, allowing the Raider to pull back to within a single goal.
Concordia keeper Nicole Franklin (Hillsboro, Ore./Century H.S.) saved a Presley Lambert shot off the crossbar in the 87th minute, but Serena DeChristofaro was there to tap the ball in off the rebound and make the score 2-1 on her first goal of the year.
With the outcome in doubt, Concordia responded quickly, as Kochman found Erin Huisingh (Pasco, Wash./Chiawana H.S.) streaking down the right side. Huisingh then delivered a pass to Eckler, who put the game away with a low drive to the far post in the 89th minute. It was Eckler's first goal of the season while both Kochman and Huisingh were credited with assists.
Taking 11 attempts in each half, the Cavaliers finished with a 22-9 edge in total shots, including a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal. Walker was credited with six saves for SOU, while Franklin had four.
Eckler led all players with five shots and Lambert finished with four attempts, three of which were on goal.
Concordia will return to the field on Saturday to finish a three-match homestand against Oregon Tech. Kickoff for 'Senior Day' is set for 1 p.m. with Concordia's six seniors recognized before the start of the contest.
Southern Oregon also plays on Saturday when it remains in Portland to face Warner Pacific College. The match against the Knights is set for a 7:30 p.m. start