Women's Soccer 11/20/2025 6:54:00 PM Tally Connors, EOU SID GA Mounties Fall Late to Oakland City in NAIA Opening Round MARION, Ind. – Eastern Oregon women's soccer saw its postseason run come to a difficult close on Thursday evening, as the Mounties fell 1–0 to Oakland City in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Opening Round at Indiana Wesleyan University. In a match defined by physical play and disciplined defensive structure, neither side found separation until the final minutes. The two teams played to an even 6–6 split in total shots, while Eastern held a slight edge in offensive pressure with two corner kicks to Oakland City's three. The game remained scoreless until the 89th minute, when Oakland City's Lena Poulain struck a ball that was carried into the net following a deflection outside the box. EOU (14–6–2) produced several promising opportunities, including shots on goal from Peyton Jacaway and Karina DeYoung, but Oakland City goalkeeper Alicia Garwood turned away both attempts to preserve the shutout. Goalkeeper Madeline Barker anchored the Mountie back line with two saves and kept the match level until the late breakthrough. Eastern's defensive unit stood strong, absorbing five fouls and limiting the Mighty Oaks to just six shots overall. The loss concludes a successful and historic season for the Mounties, who reached the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament final for the first time since 2019 and secured their first NAIA National Tournament berth since 2020. It is the program's most wins in a season since 2019 and the first time in program history the Mounties have won 10 conference games. This team graduates 11 players under third-year head coach Josh Goodman. They return six starters and have nearly finalized their incoming signing class. The Mounties look forward to an offseason of growth, spring matches, and the opportunity to return next August.