The Basics
Score: Evangel 2, Clarke 3 (OT)
Records: Evangel (3-1; 1-1); Clarke (4-1; 3-1)
Location: Springfield, Mo. | Coryell Field
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Evangel women's soccer dropped their first game of the season to Clarke, 3-2, in overtime.
The Crusaders came out ready to play and took firm control of the game by scoring eleven minutes in. Bianca Biffert converted after a corner kick by Alyson Reinold was headed down by Ashley Ard. Sedona Townsend took control and passed to a waiting Biffert who neatly struck it past the Clarke keeper.
Evangel kept continued pressure on the Pride and was able to find a second goal in the 30th minute when Grace Wright was able to knock a rebound off the keeper into the net.
Coming out of halftime, the Crusaders weren't able to maintain the same pressure as they had in the first half, and the Pride were able to work themselves back into the game. They scored in the 60th minute when Jamie Albertson was able to beat off the defenders and score. The Pride continued to ramp up the pressure on the Crusaders and were able to score the equalizer in the 87th minute when Reese Castanon hit a well-struck ball in the upper right corner of the net to send the game to overtime.
Clarke controlled most of the overtime possession until they were able to find the game-winner just four minutes in. Clarke had a free-kick that Bailey McNamee was able to slot home in the confusion across the goal.
Head Coach Bruce Deaton had this to say following the game: "Losses are always challenging, overtime losses are especially so. But even though we fell short on the scoreline we played some very good soccer throughout the match - our ball movement continues to get better as do we as a team. We will grow from this one, work on those areas that challenged us today and come out stronger on the other side. We are a very good team with a lot of conference play in front of us. Today was definitely an example of what it tends to be like every time you step on the field in the Heart of America conference."
UP NEXT
Evangel will host Missouri Valley on Wednesday, September 30. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.
Fans can now follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EUAthletics, Twitter (@EUAthletics), or online at EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates by downloading the new Evangel Crusaders Gameday App through Google Play.
