EOU Women's Soccer Downs Corban 1-0 in Season Opener
EOU Sports Information
LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University Women’s Soccer got the 2021 spring campaign started on a high note with a 1-0 shutout win in its home opener against the Corban University Warriors. With the non-conference win, the Mountaineers start the year 1-0.
The Mountaineers and Warriors (0-1) were evened out in shots at 10 apiece. EOU had the slight edge in shots on goal at 4-3. Both teams tallied three saves in net, but EOU had the advantage in corners 6-4. The Warriors were a bit more aggressive on the pitch as they totaled eight fouls, while the Mounties had just three.
The Mountaineers had early chances to find the back of the next with four corner kicks in the first 19 minutes of action. Despite the chances, EOU had no shots on goal from them. Both squads ripped off shots in the first 20 minutes of play, but it was the Mounties that eventually found the back of the net.
It was in the 20th minute when Morgan Farrington found the lower right corner of the net. She got the pass from Erik Skindlov in the middle of the field and played a quick simple hit past the goalkeeper to give the Mounties the 1-0 lead.
Not looking to allow the Warriors to potentially tie, EOU continued to put the pressure on in the remainder of the first period and had other opportunities to score. Despite the best efforts of the Mounties, the score remained 1-0 entering the break.
Coming out of the break, quick passing and shooting dictated the next 45 minutes of action on the pitch. Both teams looked to add to the score but solid defense from both sides and quick reactions from the goalkeepers kept the contest locked at a low scoring affair.
Corban was unable capitalize in the second period and the Mounties posted their second consecutive shutout win over the Warriors. The stout defense of EOU, held the Warriors to without a shot in the final 3:57 of the game to secure the 1-0 home victory.
Morgan Farrington had the gamewinning goal for EOU and took three shots in the win with one shot on goal. Erika Skindlov was credited the assist in the win. She also had one shot which was on goal. Kasey Johnson and Lindsay Balkensbush each had a shot in the game for the Mounties. In net, Kiara Fontanilla (1-0) got her first start for EOU and picked up three saves in the shutout win.
For Corban, Juliana Pires took a game-high four shots, with one coming on net. Moe Sato had three shots and one on goal. In net, Devan Archer suffered the loss to fall to 0-1. She finished with three saves.
The Mountaineers are back in action this Sunday, Feb. 28 as they will host Northwest University (Wash.) in makeup from apostponed game that was originally set for Sunday, Feb. 21. This Sunday’s game is set for an 11 a.m. PT kickoff.