Using persistence, determination, and a total team effort, the Embry-Riddle Lady Eagles knocked off NAIA Nationally ranked #13 San Marcos Cougars 2-1 today. A hot day and Homecoming crowd were on hand in San Marcos to see the game, and they were treated to quite the match. Proving they were going to bring a tight game from the opening whistle, ERAU seemed comfortable and contained the high pressure CSUSM offense in the opening minutes of play. Once the initial pressure subsided, ERAU began to posess and play some quality soccer on both sides of the ball. Senior GK #Ciarra Pederson#, snubbed an early break-a-way by the Cougars, and the defense in front of her continued to be rock strong, truly breaking up the CSUSM attack well before it had time to develope. Then in the 26th minute ERAU went on the attack. Freshman #Amie Jepsen# sent a crafty pass through to fellow freshman #Kalyn Goodenough#, who chipped it beautifully over the San Marcos keeper and into the top corner of the net. That goal would make it 1-0 in favor of ERAU, and their confidence began to show.

Unfortunately, the lead would only last until the 35th minute of play, when CSUSM's Brianne Searl converted a stunning free-kick opportunity, and equalized the game at 1-1. Undetered, ERAU held on strong with the Cougars, and much of the back and forth first half played out with the teams battling for control. Halftime would once again see the Lady Eagles prepare for a strong 2nd half.

Remaining tight on defense, ERAU squandered a couple of quality chances in the early minutes of the 2nd stanza. Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute though, as a stellar team effort lead to the equalizer. Taking posesseion of the ball in the middle third of the field, red-shirt freshman #Savannah Garn# sent a great ball out wide to sophomore #Chelsea Page#. Chelsea dribbled through the midfield, then beat her defender, sending a perfect cross into the box. That cross found the foot of senior #Marissa Golesh# in the center of the penalty area, and Golesh volleyed home the go ahead goal with just 3 minutes remaining in the game. Continuing to play rock-solid defense, the cougars were not able to create another equalizer, and the win went to ERAU 2-1. After the game, ERAU Head Coach #Todd Poitras# commented, "I can not tell you how pleased we all are with this result today. It was an amazing team effort, and well deserved victory." He added "San Marcos is a quality team, and they are extremely well coached. We were just able to make the most of our opportunities, and played defensively smart and steady today. That combination will produce wins most of the time, and for us today it did."

The Lady Eagles move their record to 11-4-2, and look to wrap up the regular season tomorrow in Santa Ana, CA, as they face Bethesda University of California. Kick off is set for 2:00PM, and the game will take place at the City of Santa Ana Stadium. Go Eagles!!