Corban dropped an overtime exhibition contest on Saturday against NCAA Division II foe, Biola. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's soccer team showed that it can play with some of the top talent in the country on Saturday, going toe-to-toe with NCAA Division II foe Biola University (Calif.) on a hot Saturday at the CFC Soccer Complex. Despite taking the game all the way to overtime, Corban ended up falling to the Eagles in the first extra period, 1-0.
The match was played as an exhibition for Corban and did not count, while for Biola, the game counted towards its overall record. Last year, Biola qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in its final season playing in the NAIA.
"We played well against a very good team," said Corban head coach Likius Hafeni. "The game could have gone either way, but unfortunately we conceded a goal in overtime. We can take a lot of good from this game and we are looking forward to our next game tomorrow."
Biola almost got on the board in the 2nd minute, but the crossbar saved the Warriors and kept the game level at 0-0. The Eagles had another good look not long after, but Corban goalkeeper Sheyenne Brusven made the save to keep Biola off the board.
By halftime in the defensive battle, Biola held a 5-2 shots advantage.
In the second stanza, Corban actually held a 4-2 shots advantage and created a few good looks on goal, but the Warriors were unable to convert, sending the match to overtime scoreless.
In the overtime stanza in the 94th minute, Samantha Verduzco got on the end of a cross from Colie Martin, blasting her one-timed shot into the top-left corner for the golden goal for the Eagles.
For Corban, Brusven was fantastic in between the pipes throughout the game, registering five saves while making great reads on crosses and through balls to keep Biola (2-0) off the board until overtime.
Offensively, Holly Martinez Moorman notched a team-best four shots for Corban. Biola held the 10-6 shots advantage for the game.
Corban (0-2) is back in action tomorrow night at Pacific University. Kickoff in Forest Grove is slated for 7 p.m.