MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon soccer battled but could not convert in a 2-0 loss against Concordia on Tuesday afternoon.
Concordia's (7-1-2, 4-0-1 GNAC) first goal began with a free kick at the top of the 18-yard-box in the 20th minute of the game. Shannon McMahon sent the ball at goalkeeper
Lindsey Mabinuori, who saved it but could not get a good grasp of it. Bobbi Eckler then followed up the shot and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Although the Wolves (5-4-1, 1-3-1 GNAC) had a few opportunities, they were outshot by the Cavaliers in the first half, 9-4. Western Oregon, however, picked up the pace in the second half, creating more chances and outshooting the Cavaliers, 7-5.
As a new keeper in goal for the second half,
Nicole Tejada almost had an assist as she drop kicked a ball deep into the other half and over the defenders.
Makana Pundyke was on the receiving end but couldn't get a touch to finish the job.
Minutes later, Pundyke sprinted down the sideline with the ball and crossed the ball to
Savannah Bogan, who shot the ball just inches away from the goal to the left.
Despite the Wolves' offensive attack in the second half, the Cavaliers increased their lead to two when Gabrielle Ewing slotted a through ball for Sydney Van Steenberge to place in the bottom left corner of the goal. This would tally to be Van Steenberge's third goal of the season.
Western Oregon kept up the fight, trying to give themselves a chance to get back into the game. With several combination plays and crosses into the 18-yard-box, they played as if they were only down one goal. In the end, however, the Wolves did not get the result they wanted.
Bogan took the most shots for the Wolves with three.
Julie Belden,
Dani Payne, and
Vicky Cruz Rosales also contributed to the attack as they each sent two shots toward the goal.
Goalkeepers Mabinuori and Tejada had a combined number of eight saves for the game, whereas the Cavaliers' Olivia Brock had five.
Next up, the Wolves will remain at home to face Seattle Pacific on Saturday, October 10.
