Corban Women’s Soccer Can’t Hold Early Lead in 3-1 Loss to Saint Martin’s

8/30/2018 10:27:00 PM

Jarett Thoren, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's soccer team struck early in Thursday night's non-conference match against Saint Martin's University, netting an early advantage on a brilliant free kick from Riley Smetzler, poked in by Rylee MacDonald. The Warrior attack was quiet for the remainder of the contest, however, and the Saints would rattle off three unanswered goals in the 3-1 win over Corban.

"Today was not one of our best games," said head coach Likius Hafeni. "We struggled to get into a rhythm and we allowed them to control the game, and I think we could've done a better job defending set pieces. Hopefully we take these games as learning experiences and do better in our next contests."

Smetzler and MacDonald—former teammates at Clark College before each transferred to Corban—connected early to put the Warriors ahead in the just the 3^rd minute. Smetzler's gorgeous free kick allowed an unmarked MacDonald to find the back of the net, showing the tandem's impressive chemistry.

Saint Martin's would respond well, equalizing on a Kiersten Madsen header in the 28^th minute, with Natalie Brown pushing the Saints ahead early in the second half. In the waning minutes of the match, Saint midfielder Shea McKnight was able to sneak one past Warrior goalkeeper Elizabeth Brock to effectively seal the contest.

The Warriors will have exactly a week to prepare for their next challenge, with the team hosting another NCAA opponent, Pacific University, next Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the CFC Soccer Complex.