Box Score PRESCOTT, ARIZ. – Despite having a huge advantage in shots and possession, the Embry-Riddle women's soccer team entered the second half of its NAIA National Championship First Round match trailing 1-0. One of the NAIA's best keepers was doing an excellent job keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard, until a free kick in the 69th minute changed the direction of the Prescott Bracket instantly.
Rae Yoshioka sent a ball to the back post on a free kick, and senior defender Paige Thompson headed it into the back of the net to tie the game. It was a goal that turned the momentum around, and allowed the Eagles to push forward even more.
Just 3:09 later, the Eagles scored again thanks to Kylee Bennett, picking up what would ultimately be the game-winning goal. Bennett cut across the middle of the field while going toward goal, then surprised Northwest keeper Hanne Breur with a quick shot to take a 2-1 lead.
Embry-Riddle finished with 24 shots total, 15 of those hitting goal. The Eagles had nine of its shots on goal in the second half as they pushed hard to tie the match, and eventually take the lead.
Yoshioka, Thompson, Haley Matthews each had three shots on goal to lead the match. Bennet and Aubrie Labno each had two shots on goal, and Labno got an assist for springing Bennett forward for the game-winning marker.
The Eagles will now play Missouri Valley, who won in the first game of the Prescott Bracket earlier Thursday, to determine who continues its chase toward the national championship in Orange Beach, Ala. Kickoff from Varsity Field this Saturday, November 17 is scheduled for 5 p.m. AZT.
