NAMPA, Idaho – In a tightly contested season opener, the Eastern Oregon women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against Northwest Nazarene on Thursday evening.
The game remained scoreless throughout the first half, with the Mounties managing just one shot in the first 45 minutes, while the Nighthawks fired off four attempts.
NNU opened the scoring in the 76th minute when Josie Brence found Isabella Kimball between two defenders on a cross, with Kimball heading the ball into the back of the net.
Despite falling behind, the Mountaineers persistence paid off in the 89th minute when an EOU corner resulted in an own goal by the Nighthawks, leveling the score.
Rylee Schei, the Mountaineers' goalkeeper, made five saves to keep her team in the game. On the other side, Northwest Nazarene split time between two goalkeepers, with Opal Barker conceding the lone goal and making one save in the second half.
The Nighthawks outshout the Mountaineers 11-5 and held a 59% possession advantage, but Eastern Oregon's defense held firm, particularly in the closing stages. Both teams were evenly matched in fouls, each committing seven.
Scoring Summary:
- 75:14 NNU - Isabella Kimball (1) from Josie Brence
- 89:14 EOU - Own Goal (unassisted)
Match Stats:
- Shots: EOU 5, NNU 11
- Shots on Goal: EOU 1, NNU 6
- Saves: EOU 5, NNU 1
- Corner Kicks: EOU 6, NNU 1
- Fouls: EOU 7, NNU 7
- Offsides: EOU 5, NNU 1
Eastern Oregon will travel down to Salt Lake City to face Westminster University on September 1st, set to kickoff at 12:00 p.m. MT.